Karachi, April 9, 2025 – The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) witnessed a sharp downturn on Wednesday as the benchmark KSE-100 index plunged over 2,000 points during mid-morning trade, reflecting heightened selling pressure across key sectors.
By 11:05 AM, the KSE-100 index was recorded at 113,371 points, marking a steep decline of 2,161 points or 1.87% from the previous day’s close of 115,532 points. The market sentiment turned bearish as investors opted for profit-taking, triggering widespread sell-offs in heavyweight stocks.
According to market analysts, the decline in the KSE-100 index is largely attributed to renewed concerns over global economic instability, including the escalating tariff war, which continues to cast a shadow over emerging markets like Pakistan. Additionally, uncertainty around upcoming corporate earnings may have prompted investors to adopt a cautious stance.
The sell-off was broad-based, with notable pressure observed in key sectors such as automobile assemblers, cement, chemicals, commercial banks, oil and gas exploration companies, oil marketing companies (OMCs), power generation, and refineries. Major index movers such as MARI, POL, PPL, PSO, SNGPL, SSGC, ARL, MCB, NBP, and UBL traded deep in the red, further dragging down the KSE-100 index.
This sharp drop follows Tuesday’s optimistic session, where the KSE-100 index gained 623 points or 0.54%, closing at 115,532.43 points. That rebound was driven by improved investor confidence, buoyed by positive global cues and expectations of strong corporate earnings in the upcoming results season.
Despite today’s slump, analysts remain cautiously optimistic. Many believe that Pakistan’s improving macroeconomic indicators—such as stable exchange rates, declining inflation, and a promising IMF review—could help stabilize the KSE-100 index in the near term.
Nevertheless, experts warn that sustained volatility in international markets and geopolitical tensions may continue to weigh on investor sentiment, keeping the KSE-100 index under pressure in the short run.