Pakistan Stock Exchange Breaks 180k, Profit-Taking Erases Gains

KARACHI:

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) experienced a range‑bound session on Wednesday, with investors locking in profits after the previous day’s sharp rally. The benchmark KSE‑100 index briefly touched 180,000 points before declining 251.44 points in the closing bell, ending at 179,083.80.

According to Arif Habib Limited (AHL), the market consolidation followed a strong earlier surge, with the KSE‑100 peaking near 180,800 before settling lower. The close at 179,083.80 reflected a 251.4‑point (0.14%) decline. Market breadth was mildly positive, as 52 shares rose while 47 slipped. The leading gains came from PSO (+3.7%), PSEL (+3.92%) and EFERT (+0.93%); the biggest drawdowns were UBL (‑0.8%), MEBL (‑1.2%) and LUCK (‑1.34%). Notably, THCCL surged 5.2% after a definitive agreement with the Fauji Foundation to restructure Pakistan Services Ltd.

On the macro side, Pakistan’s textile and apparel exports reached $18 billion in FY2025‑26, the highest level in four years, while total national exports fell 5.9%. “Technically, the index retains an upside target near 182,500, with near‑term support anticipated in the 174,000‑176,000 zone,” AHL noted, adding that KSE‑100 trading volume reached about 151 million shares and the overall market capitalisation stood at roughly Rs19.4 trillion ($70 billion).

Topline Securities’ market review confirmed a range‑bound PSX session, with the benchmark KSE‑100 briefly touching the 180,000 mark prior to a modest close at 179,084, down 251 points (‑0.14%).

Overall trading activity was robust, with about 1.24 billion shares changing hands and total traded value reaching roughly Rs41.81 billion.

Sentiment stayed steady as investors balanced strong domestic liquidity against fresh international oil‑supply concerns and Middle‑East geopolitical developments. Midday buying was led by selectively targeted sectors such as oil‑marketing firms and refineries, while cement and technology stocks saw heightened interest. Commercial‑banking and exploration‑and‑production stocks slipped after Tuesday’s large rally, Topline reported.

WorldCall Telecom was the top volume player, moving 232 million shares with a rise of Rs0.20 to close at Rs1.22. Tasdeeq Information next, trading 220 million shares and gaining Re1 to finish at Rs6.24, while Cnergyico Pk saw 57 million shares traded, up Rs0.42 to Rs11.77. The National Clearing Company reported that foreign investors exited positions worth Rs1.2 billion.

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