KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) witnessed a mixed trend during the outgoing business week, with the benchmark KSE‑100 index ultimately closing lower. The index shed 1,308 points to settle at 150,398, reflecting investor caution amid shifting global and domestic cues.
Throughout the week, the KSE‑100 moved within a wide band of 12,690 points. The weekly high was recorded at 157,347, while the low touched 144,656, underscoring the volatility that defined trading sessions.
Market activity remained robust, with 2.45 billion shares traded across the week, generating Rs140 billion in value. Despite the turnover, overall sentiment was subdued, as market capitalization fell by Rs160 billion to Rs16,725 billion.
Market analysts believe that the volatile week at PSX was shaped by global and local pressures, as the week’s trajectory highlighted alternating phases of optimism and anxiety. Early gains were driven by hopes of geopolitical de‑escalation and progress on Pakistan’s IMF staff‑level agreement, but sentiment reversed midweek following renewed war rhetoric from Washington and surging petroleum prices at home.
The advance–decline ratio across sectors reflected this uncertainty, with autos and cement stocks swinging sharply in line with broader market moves. Analysts noted that while liquidity remained strong, investors were reluctant to hold positions for long, preferring quick profit‑taking amid unpredictable signals.
Overall, the PSX closed the week on a weaker note, with volatility expected to persist until clarity emerges on both the global conflict front and domestic inflationary pressures.
