The Karachi Stock Exchange’s benchmark KSE-100 Index closed Monday’s session at 138,217.58, down by 379.78 points or 0.27%. The market saw wide swings, reaching a high of 139,201.15 and a low of 138,149.56 during the day. Trading volume totaled 221.76 million shares, showing active investor participation amid uncertainty.
Ali Najib, Deputy Head of Trading at Arif Habib Limited, said the 135,000 level acts as initial support for the index. He explained that strong corporate earnings and steady foreign investment help maintain this level. However, if the index falls below it, it could slide further toward 132,000, where investors may become more optimistic due to attractive valuations and hopes for monetary easing.
Out of 100 companies listed on the KSE-100, 43 closed with gains, while 55 declined, and 2 remained flat. Leading losers were YOUW (-3.54%), POML (-2.98%), and PKGP (-2.83%). Among the top gainers were AGL (+9.46%), PABC (+5.47%), and UPFL (+4.03%). FFC, UBL, and OGDC made the largest negative contributions to the index, while HBL, EFERT, and PABC added points.
Sector performance was mixed, with Fertilizer (-144.50 points), Commercial Banks (-71.20 points), and Oil & Gas Exploration (-61.92 points) sectors pulling the index down. On the other hand, Automobile Assemblers (+33.61 points) and Pharmaceuticals (+27.90 points) helped support the market. This volatility reflects cautious investor sentiment despite last week’s historic 3.2% gain.
Overall, Monday’s trading highlighted uncertainty in the market, with investors weighing corporate results and economic signals. Analysts suggest that sustained foreign inflows and policy clarity will be key to stabilizing the index in the near term.