PSX benchmark KSE-100 index down 1,612 points

Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) closed lower on Friday due to a highly volatile session triggered by a sharp increase in fuel prices in global as well as local market.

The benchmark KSE-100 index settled at 150,398 points, down 1,612 points. The market opened with a gap of nearly 3,000 points, reflecting panic selling after the government raised petrol and diesel prices in line with IMF commitments. However, buying interest later in the session helped trim losses significantly, according to KTrade.

PSX 100 Index closed at 150,398, down 1,612 points. During intra-day trading the 100 Index dropped to 148,796. The KSE 100 Index had closed at 152,011 previous day. Trading activity remained robust, with total volumes clocking in at 270 million shares. Key contributors to turnover included Cnergy, K-Electric (KEL), and Bank of Punjab (BOP), indicating active participation despite heightened uncertainty.

Investor sentiment remained under pressure following the government’s decision to withdraw fuel subsidies, a move widely seen as inflationary.