Profit-taking and pre-budget uncertainty trigger late-session selling pressure on Pakistan Stock Exchange
The benchmark KSE-100 Index closed lower on Friday, shedding 670 points as investor sentiment weakened amid uncertainty over expected fiscal measures in the upcoming FY27 budget.
According to market data from the Pakistan Stock Exchange, the index ended at 167,844.24 points, down 0.40% from the previous close of 168,514.44 points.
The session remained volatile, with the index initially trading in positive territory before reversing gains in the latter part of the day due to renewed selling pressure.
Market analysts said profit-taking and caution ahead of the federal budget announcement contributed to the bearish close, particularly as investors reassessed exposure to equities on the final trading day of the week.
Earlier in the session, the index climbed to an intraday high of 169,624.77 points on strong buying interest. However, the momentum faded, pushing the benchmark to an intraday low of 167,480.66 points before closing near that range.
The KSE-100 has recently experienced heightened volatility as market participants react to macroeconomic signals, fiscal expectations and global risk sentiment.
Analysts expect near-term trading to remain range-bound until greater clarity emerges on FY27 budget measures and their potential impact on listed sectors.
Investors are likely to remain cautious next week as budget-related developments, taxation proposals and economic policy expectations continue influencing market direction.
