KSE-100 Index falls 0.27% to 165,966 points as weak sentiment, elevated oil prices and losses in heavyweight stocks weigh on the PSX.

Pakistan’s benchmark KSE-100 Index closed lower on Monday, shedding 453.63 points as the absence of positive triggers and elevated international oil prices weighed on investor sentiment.

According to Topline Securities Limited, the KSE-100 Index settled at 165,966.08 points, down 0.27% from the previous close of 166,419.71 points, as cautious investors remained reluctant to take fresh positions.

The market witnessed range-bound trading, with the index reaching an intraday high of 166,698.46 points before retreating to a low of 165,918.34 points. The subdued performance reflected persistent uncertainty and a lack of strong catalysts to support a sustained recovery.

Index-heavy stocks drag market lower

Selling pressure in major index-heavy stocks contributed significantly to the benchmark’s decline. UBL, ENGROH, SYS, HUBC and SAZEW emerged as the leading laggards, collectively eroding approximately 273 points from the KSE-100 Index.

The absence of encouraging developments continued to undermine buying interest, while elevated international oil prices added to concerns over the broader economic outlook. These factors limited recovery attempts and kept the market under pressure throughout the session.

Trading activity remains subdued

Trading activity remained relatively subdued, with the reported market volume reaching 108.61 million shares and the traded value standing at approximately Rs8.26 billion, according to the closing market data.

The KSE-100 Index recorded a high of 166,698.46 points and a low of 165,918.34 points during the session, highlighting the limited strength of the market’s recovery attempts.

The benchmark’s decline underscores the cautious mood prevailing among investors as they await fresh positive developments to restore confidence and provide direction to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX).

With the market lacking clear positive triggers, investor sentiment is likely to remain sensitive to developments in international oil prices and other economic indicators.