Pakistan’s benchmark index closes at 164,776 points as market capitalisation falls to Rs18.325 trillion, despite higher trading volume.
The benchmark KSE-100 Index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) continued its bearish trend on Tuesday, declining 347.97 points, or 0.21%, to close at 164,776.44 points, compared with 165,124.41 points in the previous trading session.
Trading activity increased in the ready market, with volume rising to 383.746 million shares from 362.954 million shares a day earlier. However, the total traded value declined to Rs13.104 billion from Rs14.507 billion, indicating lower turnover value despite the increase in shares traded.
Market capitalisation also decreased to Rs18.325 trillion, compared with Rs18.359 trillion recorded in the previous session.
Market Movement Remains Mixed
Out of 500 companies traded in the ready market, 223 recorded gains, 226 suffered losses and 51 remained unchanged. The nearly even split between advancing and declining stocks reflected mixed trading activity, although the benchmark index ended lower.
LSE Financial (R) led the volume chart with 32.283 million shares, followed by Waves Home App with 21.848 million shares and WorldCall Telecom with 19.528 million shares.
Khairpur Sugar Mills Leads Gainers
Among the top-performing stocks, Khairpur Sugar Mills Limited gained Rs66.97 to close at Rs886.99. Fateh Industries Limited advanced Rs34.89 to settle at Rs383.83.
On the losing side, Unilever Pakistan Foods Limited declined Rs235.50 to close at Rs25,027, while PIA Holding Company Limited B fell Rs200 to settle at Rs14,000.
The decline in the benchmark came despite gains in several listed companies, with losses among other stocks contributing to the overall negative close.
Futures Market Turnover Increases
Activity in the futures DFC market also strengthened during the session. Turnover rose to 106.801 million shares, with a traded value of Rs8.948 billion, compared with 97.870 million shares worth Rs7.623 billion in the previous session.
Of the 326 companies traded in the DFC market, 148 advanced, 170 declined and eight remained unchanged.
The futures market recorded higher volume and traded value, while the ready market’s traded value declined. The KSE-100 nevertheless closed lower for the session.