{
  "id": 2282493,
  "title": "PSX extends losses on political uncertainty",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/psx-extends-losses-on-political-uncertainty",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-08-21T02:07:11.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Dawn Business",
    "slug": "dawn-business",
    "url": "https://www.dawn.com/news/2024208/psx-extends-losses-on-political-uncertainty"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KARACHI – The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) continued its downward trend on Thursday, marking the third consecutive day of losses. Political instability and tensions in the Middle East prompted late selling, causing the KSE-100 index to close in the negative after a strong opening. The benchmark index closed at 176,591.77 points, slipping by 254.59 points, or 0.14 percent, after a volatile trading session. Initially, the index jumped over 1,400 points to 178,291.37 but failed to maintain its momentum, falling to a low of 176,156.57. Key stocks suffered the brunt of the selling, with United Bank, Hub Power, Bank Al-Habib, Habib Bank, and Fatima Fertiliser collectively dragging the index down by 458 points. In contrast, Oil and Gas Development Company, Engro Holdings, and Sazgar Engineering Works were among the few bright spots, adding 321 points to the benchmark. Trading activity saw a 15.57 percent decline, with a total of 665 million shares traded and a value of R30.8 billion. The PSX remained near flat, failing to surpass the 178,000–180,000 resistance level, which investors consider important. Nishat Mills announced it would exit its stake in Nishat Sutas Dairy Ltd, citing market and regulatory challenges. Bloomberg forecasted Pakistan's growth potential to reach 3.9 percent in fiscal 2029, up from 3.4 percent in fiscal 2026, with a potential peak at 4.6 percent in fiscal 2038.",
  "summary": "KARACHI: Volatility persisted in the stock market on Thursday as the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) extended its southward move for the third straight session. Political uncertainty and mounting tensions in the Middle East triggered late nervous selling, forcing the benchmark KSE-100 index to close in the red after a bullish start. Topline Securities Ltd said the index closed at 176,591.77, down…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}