Key Takeaways
- The KSE-100 index fell 1.21% to close at 163,924.32.
- Escalating geopolitical tensions and rising oil prices dampened investor sentiment.
- Topline Securities reported a sharp sell-off of 2,006.67 points.
The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) experienced a significant downturn on Thursday, with the KSE-100 index closing at 163,924.32, down 1.21% from its previous day’s close. The benchmark initially touched an intraday high of 166,180.32 but plunged to a low of 163,782.42, reflecting heightened volatility and mounting selling pressure.
Ali Najib, Deputy Head of Trading at Arif Habib Ltd, attributed the sell-off to escalating geopolitical tensions and rising international oil prices. He noted that fears of a broader regional conflict and potential disruptions to Middle Eastern energy supplies weighed heavily on investor sentiment.
Topline Securities Ltd reported that the KSE-100 index witnessed a sharp sell-off, shedding 2,006.67 points, or 1.21%, to close at 163,924.32. The index initially gained 249 points but then lost 2,148 points, indicating a volatile trading session.
Persistent geopolitical uncertainty and concerns over rising oil prices and their potential impact on Pakistan’s economic outlook kept investors on the defensive. The absence of positive catalysts further dampened sentiment, and selling pressure intensified as the session progressed.
Engro Holdings, United Bank, Hub Power, Habib Bank, Pakistan Telecommunication Company, Lucky Cement, Fauji Fertiliser, Attock Refinery, National Bank, and Pakistan Petroleum emerged as the major laggards, collectively dragging the benchmark down by about 1,151 points.
On the corporate front, key banks announced their 9MCY26 results. Habib Bank, Meezan Bank, and MCB Bank reported earnings per share of Rs36.84, Rs41.02, and Rs37.26, respectively. However, these results did little to boost investor confidence.
Investor participation remained moderate, with total trading volume dipping 3.37% to 367 million shares and turnover falling 15.42% to Rs17.9 billion. Pakistan Refinery led the volume charts with 25.8 million shares.
The session ended bearish, with the benchmark extending its losses amid persistent external headwinds. Analysts expect the market to remain sensitive to geopolitical developments and international oil price movements, with investors likely to stay cautious until greater clarity emerges.
