Key Points
- KSE‑100 Index closes at 159,578.19 points, down 1,703.57 points (–1.07 %)
- Trading volume reaches 860.26 million shares with a value of PKR 34.85 billion
- Total active stocks: 393; Gainers: 133, Losers: 245, Unchanged: 15
- Global equities decline amid tech‑sector sell‑off and investor caution
- Analysts cite rupee stability and external financing concerns
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) saw a sharp pull‑back on Wednesday as the benchmark KSE‑100 Index slid 1,703.57 points, or 1.07 percent, to close at 159,578.19.
The drop reflected a broader global equities correction triggered by weakness in technology stocks and a rise in risk‑aversion.
According to PSX data, trading volume reached 860.26 million shares, and the total traded value stood at PKR 34.85 billion. A total of 393 active stocks were traded, with 133 advancing, 245 declining, and 15 remaining unchanged. Major banking, energy, and fertiliser stocks led the decline as investors booked profits after recent rallies.
Market insiders said profit‑taking and concerns over the rupee’s stability and looming external financing risks weighed on investor sentiment. Foreign portfolio flows appeared constrained as global risk appetite softened.
Commenting on the session, Dawn reported, “Investor sentiment was weighed down by uncertainty surrounding geopolitical tensions and external financing concerns.” The Express Tribune noted that “the PSX closed lower amid ongoing contract rollover pressure on investors.” Reuters highlighted that “emerging markets, including Pakistan, faced headwinds due to the strength of the U.S. dollar and global tech-sector weakness.”
Globally, equity markets registered broad weakness. In Asia, Japan’s Nikkei 225 and South Korea’s KOSPI were among the largest decliners, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index also slipped amid extended tech‑sector losses. European shares mirrored the trend, with the STOXX 600 declining as technology and industrial stocks underperformed. Analysts noted that the strength of the U.S. dollar could emerge as an additional headwind for emerging markets.
Analysts said the PSX remains highly sensitive to shifts in global risk sentiment and foreign capital flows. They warned that short‑term volatility is likely to persist until clarity on Pakistan’s external financing. They suggested that sectors with stable earnings profiles—such as power generation, utilities and consumer goods—may offer relatively safer options in the current environment.
