The KSE-100 Index closed Thursday’s trading session on a weaker note, reflecting heightened volatility and sector-specific pressure despite strong participation from investors. The benchmark index settled at 185,543.01 points, marking a decline of 975.70 points or 0.52% compared to the previous close.
The session highlighted a tug-of-war between profit-taking in heavyweight sectors and selective buying in insurance, pharmaceuticals, and electrical goods, keeping overall market sentiment mixed.
KSE-100 Index Intraday Performance Shows Sharp Swings
The KSE-100 Index experienced a wide intraday range of 2,705.80 points, underlining increased uncertainty and active trading throughout the day. The index touched an intraday high of 187,905.16 points, gaining over 1,386 points, before sliding to a low of 185,199.36 points, down more than 1,319 points.
Trading activity remained robust, with 576.35 million shares exchanged in KSE-100 constituents, indicating continued investor engagement despite the correction.
Market Breadth: Decliners Outnumber Gainers
Out of the 100 companies listed on the KSE-100 Index,
• 46 stocks closed higher,
• 53 stocks ended lower, and
• 1 stock remained unchanged.
This skew toward declining stocks reflects broad-based selling pressure, particularly in large-cap sectors.
Top Losers and Gainers in the KSE-100 Index
Major Losers
The index came under pressure mainly due to losses in heavyweight stocks. Engro Holdings, United Bank, and Meezan Bank were among the biggest drags. Notable losers included:
• Engro Holdings (ENGROH)
• YOUW
• Meezan Bank (MEBL)
• Pakistan Telecommunication Company (PTC)
• The Searle Company (SEARL)
Top Gainers
On the positive side, strong buying interest lifted select stocks, particularly in insurance and consumer-related sectors. Leading gainers were:
• AICL, which surged by the daily cap
• Shifa International Hospitals
• Pak Elektron (PAEL)
• Haleon Pakistan
• Thal Limited
These stocks provided partial support to the KSE-100 Index, preventing a steeper decline.
Index Point Contribution: Who Dragged and Who Supported
The KSE-100 Index decline was largely driven by Engro Holdings, which alone shaved over 315 points off the index. Other notable negative contributors included UBL, MEBL, Systems Limited, and PPL.
Conversely, AICL, National Bank of Pakistan, PAEL, Fauji Fertilizer Company, and Mari Petroleum added valuable points, cushioning the overall downside.
Sector-Wise Performance of the KSE-100 Index
Sectors Dragging the Market
The KSE-100 Index was primarily weighed down by:
• Commercial Banks, which collectively erased more than 559 points
• Investment Banks and Securities Companies
• Technology & Communication
• Cement
• Oil & Gas Marketing Companies
Sectors Providing Support
Meanwhile, gains were recorded in:
• Insurance
• Cable & Electrical Goods
• Automobile Parts & Accessories
• Pharmaceuticals
• Refinery
These sectors attracted selective buying amid broader market caution.
Broader Market Snapshot
In the wider market, the All-Share Index closed at 110,883.94 points, posting a modest decline of 234.71 points or 0.21%. Market activity remained strong as total volume rose to 1.43 billion shares, while traded value increased to Rs91.34 billion.
A total of 643,944 trades were recorded across 481 companies, with more stocks declining than advancing, signaling cautious sentiment beyond the benchmark index.
High-Volume Stocks Capture Investor Interest
Investor attention remained focused on low-priced and momentum-driven stocks. AGHA, PAEL, HASCOLNC, and Bank Makramah dominated volumes, reflecting speculative interest and short-term trading opportunities.
KSE-100 Index Performance: Bigger Picture
Despite the day’s decline, the KSE-100 Index continues to show impressive long-term momentum. During the current fiscal year, the index has surged by 59,916 points, representing a gain of 47.69%. On a calendar-year basis, it has added 11,489 points or 6.60%, underscoring sustained investor confidence in Pakistan’s equity market.