KARACHI:
The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) experienced a lackluster trading session, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index settling at 153,866, down 555 points (-0.36%) from the previous close.
“During the shortened Ramzan session, with trading hours limited to 3 hours and 15 minutes, investor activity remained muted,” noted Ali Najib, Deputy Head of Trading at Arif Habib Limited.
Market participants largely preferred to stay on the sidelines ahead of the weekend, amid concerns over potential geopolitical developments, which may negatively impact market sentiments.
Read: PSX drops 1,437 points as early gains vanish
Among index movers, ENGROH, FFC, LUCK, BAFL, and HUBC collectively added 98 points to the benchmark. On the other hand, UBL, FABL, SYS, MARI, and ATRL acted as major drags, erasing 90 points from the index amid profit-taking in heavyweight stocks.
Overall market participation remained subdued, with total traded volume recorded at 287.2 million shares, while turnover stood at Rs14.4 billion. Dost Steels Limited (DSL) emerged as the volume leader, with 27.7 million shares traded during the session.
Weekly Review
PSX recorded its seventh consecutive negative week, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index declining by 3,630 points (-2.3%) on a weekly basis. The index opened the week at 150,174, touched an intra-week high of 158,625, and later slipped to a low of 144,119 amid heightened volatility before settling at 153,866 by the end of the week.
Read More: KSE-100 drops 1,437 points after choppy session at PSX
Looking ahead, market momentum will largely hinge on the stability of geopolitical developments. If external conditions remain calm, the recent positive undertone could pave the way for a gradual recovery. However, investors are expected to remain cautious, closely tracking global cues and political developments before taking fresh positions.
