Index tumbles below 170,000 on uncertainty
KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) extended its decline as jittery investors sold off their holdings, pushing the benchmark KSE-100 index below the 170,000-point mark amid growing economic uncertainty. Topline Securities Ltd said the index closed at 169,600.41 points, down 825.22 points or 0.48 per cent, after trading between an intraday high of 170,944.35 and a low of 169,538.23. The…
The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) saw a significant drop as investors grew anxious, dropping the benchmark KSE-100 index below 170,000 points due to economic uncertainty. Topline Securities Ltd reported the index closed at 169,600.41 points, falling 825.22 points, or 0.48 percent, after trading between a high of 170,944.35 and a low of 169,538.23.
Market sentiment remained cautious with geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and rising crude oil prices, particularly Brent at $107 per barrel. These factors added pressure on Pakistan's import bill, inflation, and external account. Ali Najib, Deputy Head of Trading at Arif Habib Ltd, noted the PSX crossed a psychological barrier at 170,000 after a seven-day gap.
Finance ministry officials are currently engaged in key talks with the International Monetary Fund to address the domestic economy's stabilization. Air Link Communication Ltd reported a strong 4QFY26 profit of Rs6,226 million, up 31 percent year-on-year. Despite skipping its dividend payout, total FY26 dividends reached Rs2 per share, with a payout ratio of 12.7 percent.
Investor participation increased as trading volume surged 34.92 percent to 568 million shares, and turnover rose 19.34 percent to Rs20.7 billion. Cnergyico PK led the volume chart with 56.5 million shares. Analysts foresee that energy price hikes, external sector risks, and the ongoing IMF review will continue to influence market trends.
Written by urgent.news from Dawn Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
