PSX sees volatile session as KSE-100 climbs nearly 300 points
The benchmark KSE‑100 index rose about 0.15% to 175,198 points in a volatile session, while key sectors such as banks, oil & gas, power and refineries posted losses.
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Desk Analysis
How This Affects the Exchange
Sector Effect
Neutral · Watch
Banks, Oil & Gas, Power and Refineries showed weakness despite overall index rise – Watch
Sectors & Direction
Desk read
Desk call: Watch · Neutral effect
- BanksNeutral effect
- Oil & GasNeutral effect
- PowerNeutral effect
Companies
Mentions in This Briefing
Sectors: Banks, Oil & Gas, Power — Neutral · Watch. PSX tickers: MEBL, MCB, UBL, HBL, BAHL, FABL. Banks, Oil & Gas, Power and Refineries showed weakness despite overall index rise – Watch
Full Story
Open on Business Recorder## Market Overview
On Friday the Pakistan Stock Exchange traded in a volatile but largely flat manner. The KSE‑100 index gained 268.36 points, or 0.15%, reaching 175,198.04 by midday. The rise came despite selling pressure in several heavyweight sectors.
## Sector Performance
Investors trimmed positions in commercial banks, oil‑and‑gas exploration firms, oil marketing companies, power generators and refineries. Prominent index‑heavy stocks—including HUBCO, Pakistan Oilfields Limited (POL), Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) and United Bank Limited (UBL)—traded in the red.
## Recent Context
The previous trading day also featured heightened volatility as rising international oil prices, driven by ongoing geopolitical tensions, kept market participants cautious. Nevertheless, a modest recovery lifted the KSE‑100 to close at 174,929.69, up 153.09 points (0.09%).
## Global Influences
Asian equity markets rallied on Friday, buoyed by a softer U.S. dollar after Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller signaled a possible pause in rate hikes. Futures markets cut the probability of a June rate increase to 50% from 63% a day earlier. The yen appreciated 2.6% against the dollar this week, nearing intervention levels.
## Outlook
While the index’s short‑term gain suggests resilience, the sector‑specific sell‑off indicates lingering risk aversion, especially in banking, energy and power stocks. Investors should monitor further developments in global oil prices and U.S. monetary policy for clues on market direction.