KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) retreated on Tuesday as the KSE-100 index lost 1,199.14 points, or 0.64 per cent, to settle at 186,255.55, against the previous close of 187,454.69, as profit-taking set in following the benchmark’s recent run to record highs.
The index touched an intraday high of 188,126.68 and a low of 186,189.21. The KSE-30 index shed 457.96 points to close at 55,672.44.
Ali Najib, deputy head of trading at Arif Habib Ltd, said the PSX witnessed a consolidative session. Investor sentiment remained mixed as participants opted to book profits after the benchmark index hovered near its all-time high, dragging the market into negative territory by the close. Nevertheless, expectations of strong corporate earnings in the upcoming result season continued to provide underlying support to market confidence.
On the macroeconomic front, the government of Pakistan unveiled InvestPak, a digital investment platform aimed at diversifying its funding base by reducing reliance on commercial banks and broadening access to government securities for non-bank and retail investors, he said.
“Going forward, market may go through from a consolidation phase in next few sessions before making a new all-time high,” said Najib.Ready market turnover rose 10.86 per cent to 984.85 million shares from 888.4 million shares in the previous session. Traded value fell 8.56 per cent to Rs45.7 billion from Rs49.98 billion, while market capitalisation eased 0.62 per cent to Rs20.86 trillion from Rs20.99 trillion.
Market breadth was negative, with 192 stocks advancing against 271 declining and 35 unchanged.Among the top gainers, Unilever Pakistan Foods Limited rose Rs233.32 to close at Rs25,677.25, while Hafiz Limited added Rs35.19 to close at Rs485.04. On the downside, Khairpur Sugar Mills Limited shed Rs212.15 to close at Rs1,911.43, and Nestle Pakistan Limited declined Rs123.3 to close at Rs7,565.55.
According to Topline Sales Desk, the benchmark KSE-100 Index ended Tuesday’s session on a negative note, as investors resorted to profit-taking following the market’s recent record-breaking rally. The market opened on a positive note and extended its early gains. However, selling pressure emerged across key sectors during the latter half of the session.
Investor sentiment remained cautious amid weakness in regional equity markets, prompting participants to lock in recent gains after the KSE-100’s strong upward run over the past several sessions. Despite the decline, the broader market outlook remains supported by improving macroeconomic fundamentals and sustained institutional interest.
On the index contribution front, BAHL, HMB, IBFL, PSX and NBP collectively added 197 points to the benchmark index. In contrast, FFC, PPL, UBL, OGDC and LUCK came under profit-taking pressure, collectively shaving 650 points off the index.
TPL REIT Fund I led ready market turnover with 75.73 million shares, rising 12 paisas to close at Rs10.63, followed by TPL Properties with 72.49 million shares, rising 78 paisas to close at Rs13.32. Other most-traded stocks were BO Punjab, LSE Capital Ltd, TPL Corp Ltd, Cnergyico PK, Pak Elektron, Siddiqsons Tin, Thatta Cement and Agha Steel Industries.In the futures market, 302 contracts were traded, with 108 increasing in value, 192 declining and 2 unchanged.
