PSX snaps losing streak with marginal gain amid heightened volatility
The KSE‑100 index closed up 0.09% after three sessions of decline, but trading remained choppy as Middle‑East tensions and domestic political uncertainty weighed on investor sentiment.
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Desk Analysis
How This Affects the Exchange
Sector Effect
Neutral · Watch
Mixed sector moves with modest index gain; watch for further volatility before taking positions.
Sectors & Direction
Desk read
Desk call: Watch · Neutral effect
- BanksNeutral effect
- Oil & GasNeutral effect
- CementNeutral effect
- PetroleumNeutral effect
- IndustrialNeutral effect
Companies
Mentions in This Briefing
Sectors: Banks, Oil & Gas, Cement, Petroleum, Industrial — Neutral · Watch. PSX tickers: BAHL, UBNK, PPL, SIL, ATRL, ENGRO, LUCK, NBL. Mixed sector moves with modest index gain; watch for further volatility before taking positions.
Full Story
Open on Dawn## Market overview
The Pakistan Stock Exchange ended Thursday’s session with the KSE‑100 index at 174,929.69, a rise of 153 points (0.09%). The market opened higher, reaching an intraday high of 175,796.25, but profit‑taking in the latter half pushed it down to a low of 174,893.68 before closing modestly higher. Total traded volume fell to 627 million shares and the value of trades dropped 20.94% to Rs 25.18 billion, indicating subdued participation.
## Drivers of volatility
The session’s volatility was largely attributed to the ongoing geopolitical conflict in the Middle East, which continues to lift global oil prices. Higher crude costs raise concerns over Pakistan’s external account, inflationary pressure, and overall macro‑economic stability, prompting investors to adopt a cautious stance.
## Winners and losers
On the positive side, Engro Holdings, Lucky Cement and National Bank of Pakistan provided support, collectively adding roughly 167 points to the index. Conversely, Bank Al‑Habib, United Bank, Pakistan Petroleum, Service Industries and Attock Refinery were the main laggards, dragging the index down by about 196 points.
## Notable developments
Pakistan successfully raised $3 billion through a dual‑tranche Eurobond, the largest single‑issue international bond sale in the country’s history. The proceeds are expected to bolster foreign‑exchange reserves and ease external financing pressures.
## Market sentiment
Ali Najib, Deputy Head of Trading at Arif Habib Ltd, described the session as “flattish” with mixed sentiment, citing intensifying US‑Iran tit‑for‑tat strikes, Iranian attacks on merchant vessels and US strikes on IRGC sites, alongside rising oil prices.
## Trading activity
Tasdeeq Information emerged as the volume leader, trading around 95 million shares.
## Outlook
While the index managed a marginal gain, the prevailing geopolitical and domestic uncertainties suggest continued caution. Investors should monitor developments in oil markets and any further political shifts that could affect liquidity and sector performance.