Karachi, March 12, 2026: The benchmark KSE-100 Index at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) closed sharply lower on Thursday, dropping 1,437 points as investor sentiment weakened due to fluctuations in global oil prices and uncertainty in international markets.
By the end of the trading session, the index settled at 154,421.43 points, reflecting a 0.92 percent decline compared to the previous close of 155,858.47 points.
KSE-100 Index Market Summary
| Indicator | Value |
| Market Status | Closed |
| Current Index | 154,421.43 |
| Change | -1,437.04 |
| Percent Change | -0.92% |
| High | 157,080.28 |
| Low | 153,503.70 |
| Volume | 202,928,283 |
| Previous Close | 155,858.47 |
| Value | Rs20,373,653,824 |
Volatile Session Driven by Global Oil Concerns
According to analysts at Topline Securities Limited, the market started the day under pressure as early selling pushed the index to an intraday decline of 2,354 points. However, mid-session buying interest briefly lifted the market into positive territory, with the benchmark gaining up to 1,221 points at its peak.
The rebound proved temporary as profit-taking and cautious investor sentiment resurfaced amid the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and volatility in international oil prices. As a result, the index slipped back into negative territory before the close.
Key Stocks Impacting the Market
Among the index-heavy stocks, Engro Holdings (ENGROH), Systems Limited (SYS), Service Industries Limited (SRVI), Engro Fertilizers (EFERT), and Highnoon Laboratories (HINOON) provided some support to the market, collectively adding 745 points to the index.
On the downside, major banking and energy stocks weighed heavily on the benchmark. These included United Bank Limited (UBL), Lucky Cement (LUCK), Oil and Gas Development Company (OGDC), Hub Power Company (HUBC), and MCB Bank Limited (MCB), which collectively dragged 972 points from the benchmark index.
Trading Activity Remains Strong
Despite the decline, trading activity remained robust at the Pakistan Stock Exchange, with 404 million shares changing hands during the session and total market turnover reaching Rs24.67 billion.
Among volume leaders, Hascol Petroleum Limited (HASCOL) topped the chart, recording over 38 million shares traded during the day.
Market analysts noted that investors are expected to remain cautious in the near term as global oil price fluctuations and geopolitical developments continue to influence market sentiment.