KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) saw a decline on Wednesday due to market volatility driven by current geopolitical concerns. Due to investors’ cautious stance in the current environment, the benchmark KSE-100 index fell 1,355 points.
The KSE-100 fell by 1,354.88 points or 0.86 per cent to 155,777.21 points from 157,132.1 points recorded in the last session. The highest index of the day remained at 157,962.48 points, while the lowest was 154,790.74 points.
Ali Najib, deputy head of trading at Arif Habib Ltd, said the PSX witnessed a directionless session. During the trading session, the index reflected heightened volatility amid cautious investor sentiment.
On the geopolitical front, the United States directed its non-emergency staff to depart from Karachi and Lahore, citing potential security threats following deadly protests over the weekend that resulted in multiple casualties. The development weighed on overall market confidence.
Major laggards included ENGROH, HBL, UBL, NBP, and LUCK, which collectively eroded 892 points. Conversely, EFERT, PPL, OGDC, PSO, and MARI contributed 427 points to the index.“Going forward, it will be determined that geopolitical developments will likely influence market direction,” said Najib.
The KSE-30 index decreased by 412.22 points, or 0.85 per cent, to 47,890.76 points from 48,302.97 points.Traded shares dropped by 148 million shares to 622.692 million shares from 770.695 million shares. The trading value decreased to Rs29.95 billion from Rs44.363 billion. Market capitalisation narrowed to Rs17.522 trillion against Rs17.631 trillion. Of the 479 companies active in the session, 201 closed in green, 213 in red and 65 remained unchanged.
The highest increase was recorded in Unilever Pakistan Foods Limited, which rose by Rs1,256.45 to Rs25,295 per share, followed by Hoechst Pakistan Limited, which increased by Rs121.51 to Rs4,119.64 per share. A significant decline was noted in Supernet Technologies Limited, which fell by Rs91.95 to Rs1,283.63 per share. Pakistan Tobacco Company Limited followed it, which closed lower by Rs30.11 to Rs1,230.28 per share.
Naveed Nadeem, a senior equity trader at Topline Securities, said persistent volatility kept investors cautious. The benchmark moved within a broad range of 157,962 to 154,790 points during the session, reflecting nervous participation and intraday swings.
Overall sentiment remained fragile amid escalating geopolitical tensions, which dampened global risk appetite. Regional Asian markets largely traded in the red, and the local bourse followed the same negative trajectory, mirroring the broader risk-off environment.
On the other hand, the Exploration & Production (E&P) sector outperformed the broader market, as international oil prices moved higher in response to the ongoing conflict, lending support to energy stocks.
Market participation with total traded volume 622 million shares and turnover standing at Rs 30 billion. Unity dominated the volume leaders’ board, with over 117 million shares. Unity Foods Ltd remained the volume leader with 117.209 million shares, which closed higher by 93 paisas to Rs9.53 per share. K-Electric Ltd with 64.935 million shares, followed it, which closed up by 15 paisas to Rs7.44 per share.
Other significant turnover stocks included Trust Sec & Bro (R), BO Punjab, LOADS Limited, Pak Petroleum XD, Pak Elektron, WorldCall Telecom, Cnergyico PK and F Nat Equities.In the futures market, 318 companies recorded trading, with 131 increasing, 185 decreasing, and 2 remaining unchanged.
