The PSX today witnessed a volatile trading session on Monday, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index giving up its early gains and falling more than 300 points by midday. Investors remained cautious as higher global oil prices and uncertainty surrounding the United States-Iran ceasefire continued to influence market sentiment.
Trading began on a positive note, with the KSE-100 Index climbing more than 400 points shortly after the opening bell. However, the momentum faded as selling pressure emerged across key sectors, pushing the benchmark into negative territory before noon.
By midday, the PSX today stood at 179,257.01 points, down 314.25 points or 0.19%. During the session, the index touched an intraday high of 180,272.01 and a low of 179,158.98. Trading activity remained healthy, with more than 172 million shares exchanged and turnover exceeding Rs17.77 billion.
Despite the decline, selective buying interest was observed in cement companies, commercial banks, oil and gas exploration firms, oil marketing companies, power generation businesses, and refinery stocks. However, selling in heavyweight shares outweighed gains, limiting any sustained recovery.
Market participants closely monitored developments in the Middle East, where uncertainty over the durability of the US-Iran ceasefire continued to affect investor confidence. Rising international oil prices also added pressure to the market, increasing concerns about inflation and business costs.
Analysts believe that geopolitical developments and fluctuations in energy prices will continue to influence trading in the coming days. Investors are expected to remain cautious until greater clarity emerges regarding global economic conditions and regional stability.
The PSX today reflected a mixed trading environment as positive sectoral activity was offset by external risks. Market experts say future direction will largely depend on international developments, oil price movements, and investor confidence in Pakistan’s economic outlook.
