Borsa Istanbul (BIST) made headlines today with a double record, as the BIST 100 index surged to a new intraday all-time high of 11,334 points, while also closing at a record high of 11,313 points. This impressive performance surpassed the previous record set on July 18, 2024, when the index had reached 11,252 points. Since the beginning of 2025, the index has delivered investors a solid return of approximately 15%.
Strong Opening, Stronger Finish
The trading session kicked off on a positive note, with the BIST 100 index rising by 61.25 points, or 0.55%, to start the day at 11,195 points. Momentum continued throughout the day, pushing the index to its new historic peak. By market close, the index had gained 1.61%, ending the day at 11,313 points.
Banking and holding sectors also participated in the rally. At the open, the banking index was up 0.96%, and the holding index gained 0.55%. These gains accelerated by the close, reaching 2.08% and 1.05% respectively.
Key Technical Levels in Focus
From a technical analysis perspective, the 11,300 and 11,400 point levels are currently viewed as key resistance areas, while 11,100 and 11,000 act as support zones. The index is clearly in a bullish trend, and investor attention is now focused on whether it can break above the 11,400 threshold.
What’s Driving the Rally?
Several fundamental factors are behind the recent surge in Borsa Istanbul. The disinflation process in Turkey is progressing positively, with inflation showing signs of cooling. At the same time, expectations that the Russia-Ukraine war may be nearing an end and easing tensions in the Middle East have reduced geopolitical risks, boosting market confidence.
Another major factor is the policy stance of the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey (CBRT). With inflation slowing and tight monetary policy paying off, the CBRT has signaled the beginning of an interest rate-cutting cycle, which has sparked increased risk appetite in domestic markets.
Additionally, the CBRT’s foreign exchange reserves continue to strengthen. As of the week ending August 8, total gross reserves rose by $5.377 billion, reaching a record high of $174.365 billion, reinforcing investor optimism about Turkey’s economic stability.
Financial Leasing & Factoring Leads Sector Gains
Looking at sector performances since the start of 2025, nearly all sectors have posted gains—except for sports and insurance. Leading the pack is financial leasing and factoring, which has skyrocketed by an astonishing 378.05%. It’s followed by tourism with a gain of 57.86%, and construction, which is up 57.08%.
While the banking sector recorded an 11.9% gain, holdings were up by 23.4% during the same period.
Stock-Level Momentum Remains Strong
Out of the stocks included in the BIST 100 index, 65 have posted gains year-to-date, while 32 have declined. This indicates that the rally has a broad base of support and is not limited to just a few heavyweight stocks.
In Summary
The twin records set by Borsa Istanbul today are a reflection of improving macroeconomic indicators, lower geopolitical tensions, and rising investor confidence. With key technical levels now within reach, all eyes will be on whether the momentum continues and if the index can break above 11,400 points in the coming sessions.
If current conditions hold steady, we may be witnessing the start of a new bull phase in the Turkish stock market (ekonomim.com)
