Benchmark index closes at 168,155 as subdued participation and lack of fresh triggers keep investors cautious
The KSE-100 Index remained largely in negative territory during Friday’s session, closing at 168,155.49 points, down 481.36 points, or 0.29% day-on-day, as investors remained cautious amid elevated crude oil prices and the ongoing stalemate in US-Iran relations.
Market sentiment was also affected by a lack of fresh triggers, keeping investor participation subdued and limiting activity across the Pakistan Stock Exchange.
KSE-100 Remains Under Pressure
The benchmark index struggled to gain traction throughout the session, with investors adopting a cautious approach amid prevailing macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainties.
The KSE-100 settled at 168,155.49 points, marking a decline of 481.36 points from the previous close.
Elevated international crude oil prices continued to remain a key concern for investors, particularly because higher oil prices can increase pressure on Pakistan’s import bill and external account.
Meanwhile, the absence of fresh market triggers and uncertainty surrounding US-Iran relations kept risk appetite subdued.
SYS, MEBL and LUCK Lead Declines
Selling pressure was concentrated in several heavyweight stocks.
SYS, MEBL, LUCK, NBP and HBL were the major negative contributors to the benchmark, collectively weighing down the index by 269 points.
The weakness in these stocks offset gains elsewhere in the market and contributed to the benchmark’s negative close.
Trading Activity Remains Muted
Trading activity remained subdued during the session, with 492 million shares changing hands.
The total traded value stood at approximately PKR17.45 billion, reflecting limited investor participation.
MLCF recorded the highest traded value at PKR648 million, followed by AKBL at PKR638 million, OGDC at PKR577 million, PPL at PKR543 million and DGKC at PKR372 million.
The market is likely to remain sensitive to developments in global oil prices and geopolitical conditions, while investors continue to look for fresh domestic and international triggers to determine the next direction of the benchmark.