PkRevenue.com – The Pakistan Stock Market experienced a modest decline of 42 points on Thursday amid a mixed trading session, according to analysts at Topline Securities.
The benchmark KSE-100 index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) concluded the day at 74,878 points, a slight dip from the previous day’s closing of 74,920 points.
Throughout the trading session, the market exhibited a tug-of-war between bullish and bearish forces, with both sides vying for control. Ultimately, the bullish forces managed to edge out a marginal victory, as the KSE-100 index settled at 74,878 points, marking a 0.06% increase.
The trading day began on a positive note, reflecting the previous day’s momentum. However, investor sentiment soon shifted, leading to profit-taking activities that pushed the benchmark index into negative territory. The KSE-100 hit an intraday low of 74,585 points, a decrease of 251 points. Despite this, value hunters stepped in at the market’s low, propelling the index back into positive territory by the close of the session.
Sector-wise performance was varied, contributing to the day’s mixed trading results. The Exploration & Production (E&P), Banking, and Fertilizer sectors saw negative contributions, with key stocks such as MARI Petroleum (MARI), MCB Bank (MCB), Engro Corporation (ENGRO), Fauji Fertilizer Company (FFC), and Pakistan Services Limited (PSEL) collectively losing 37 points. Conversely, stocks in other sectors garnered buying interest, particularly Millat Tractors Limited (MTL), Service Industries Limited (SRVI), and Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), which collectively added 39 points to the index.
Trading activity was robust, with over 368.8 million shares exchanged, and the total value of trades reaching Rs 13.7 billion. Notably, Fauji Cement Company Limited (FCCL) led the volume chart, with over 42.1 million shares traded.
The mixed trading session reflects broader market dynamics, with investors weighing various factors. Analysts suggest that profit-taking was driven by the recent gains, prompting some investors to secure their earnings. At the same time, value investors took advantage of the dip to buy shares at lower prices, which provided support to the market.
Despite the minor decline, the overall sentiment remains cautiously optimistic. Analysts believe that the market is poised for recovery, underpinned by strong economic fundamentals and investor confidence in key sectors. The mixed trading session, while indicating some volatility, also highlights the resilience of the market amid profit-taking pressures.
