Pakistan’s benchmark index drops 1.18% to 165,124 points as 322 companies close lower, despite an increase in trading volume.
The benchmark KSE-100 Index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) extended its bearish trend on Monday, falling 1,964.87 points, or 1.18%, to close at 165,124.41 points, compared with 167,089.28 points in the previous trading session.
Selling pressure dominated the market, with a majority of traded companies recording losses. Out of 500 companies active in the ready market, 135 advanced, 322 declined and 43 remained unchanged, reflecting broad-based weakness.
Trading Volume Rises as Market Value Falls
Trading activity increased during the session, with ready-market volume reaching 362.954 million shares, up from 309.412 million shares in the previous session.
However, the total traded value declined to Rs14.507 billion from Rs15.437 billion, indicating lower turnover value despite the increase in shares traded.
The market’s total capitalisation also decreased to Rs18.359 trillion, compared with Rs18.569 trillion recorded a day earlier.
Treet Corporation led the ready-market volume chart with 27.311 million shares. LSE Financial (R) followed with 20.828 million shares, while WorldCall Telecom recorded trading volume of 20.349 million shares.
Unilever Pakistan Foods Leads Gainers
Among the top-performing stocks, Unilever Pakistan Foods Limited gained Rs207.49 to close at Rs25,262.50. Khairpur Sugar Mills Limited rose Rs74.55 to settle at Rs820.02.
On the losing side, PIA Holding Company Limited B fell Rs294 to close at Rs14,200, while Khyber Textile Mills Limited declined Rs95.81 to Rs1,688.92.
The number of declining stocks significantly exceeded gainers, highlighting the strength of selling pressure across the market.
Futures Market Sees Higher Turnover
Activity in the futures DFC market also increased. Turnover reached 97.870 million shares, with a traded value of Rs7.623 billion, compared with 78.244 million shares worth Rs5.276 billion in the previous session.
Of the 326 companies traded in the DFC market, 46 advanced and 280 declined, while none remained unchanged.
The broad decline across both ready and futures markets reflected a cautious trading session, with investors facing widespread selling pressure.