The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) extended its recent downward trend on Friday as investors reacted cautiously to escalating geopolitical tensions between Iran and the United States, coupled with continued selling pressure in key sectors.
The benchmark KSE-100 index fell by 400.06 points, closing at 171,770.23 points, marking a 0.23% decline from Thursday’s close of 172,170.29 points. The intraday session saw significant volatility, with the index climbing to a high of 174,148.32 points before slipping to a low of 169,592.52 points.
Analysts noted that market sentiment remains fragile following a sharp decline in the previous session, where the KSE-100 index had lost 6,682.81 points, a 3.74% drop, closing at 172,170.29 points from 178,853.10 points.
Trading activity on Friday also slowed compared to prior sessions. The ready market reported a total turnover of 542.979 million shares, valued at Rs 27.363 billion, down from 697.682 million shares worth Rs 49.992 billion on Thursday. The market capitalization declined to Rs 19.514 trillion from Rs 20.227 trillion, reflecting investor caution amid prevailing uncertainties.
Market experts said the ongoing geopolitical developments, along with domestic economic challenges, are prompting investors to adopt a defensive stance, while selective buying was observed in blue-chip stocks. They highlighted that any signs of easing tensions internationally could trigger a rebound in trading activity.
