Karachi, May 22, 2025 — The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) endured a sharp downturn on Thursday, shedding 778 points amid a steep drop in global oil prices, which rattled investor sentiment and dragged down oil-heavy sectors.
The benchmark KSE-100 index of PSX closed the day at 119,153 points, down from the previous session’s closing of 119,931 points. The sharp dip comes as global crude prices tumbled overnight, triggering a ripple effect across major oil-linked stocks on the local bourse.
Market analysts at Topline Securities Limited noted that the PSX traded in a consolidation phase throughout the session, with investors exhibiting caution and profit-taking dominating the mood. The index saw an intraday high of 768 points before slipping to a low of 869 points, ultimately settling deep in the red, unable to hold support above the psychological 120,000 mark.
A handful of heavyweight stocks were primarily responsible for the index’s decline. Key names including ENGROH, LUCK, PPL, PSO, and HUBC were collectively responsible for a 537-point drag on the PSX, amplifying the bearish tone of the trading session.
Despite the bearish close, trading activity remained energetic. The market witnessed a total volume of 588 million shares, while the traded value surged to Rs30.7 billion, indicating continued investor participation. K-Electric Limited (KEL) led the volume chart with a hefty 42 million shares changing hands.
This marked the second consecutive session where the PSX saw a downward adjustment in response to external economic cues, particularly the volatile behavior of international commodities. With oil prices showing no sign of immediate recovery, analysts expect further pressure on oil-linked sectors in the coming days.
Market watchers say the next few sessions will be critical, as the PSX may attempt to regain lost points if global sentiment stabilizes and local triggers—such as economic data or policy clarity—offer any bullish signals.
In the meantime, cautious optimism may dominate, with traders eyeing the PSX for a potential rebound if support levels hold firm and points recovery begins.