The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) began the week on a bearish note, with the benchmark 100-Index losing 177.93 points. The index closed at 81,114.20 points, down from its previous closing of 81,292.13 points on the last trading day. This downturn highlights a continuation of the cautious investor sentiment that has influenced recent market activity.
The start of the week was marked by subdued market activity, as investors remained wary amid prevailing economic concerns. Despite some positive movements in select stocks, the overall market trend leaned towards selling pressure.
Market Activity Overview
Trading volumes at the PSX on Monday were slightly lower compared to the previous session. A total of 297,994,181 shares changed hands during the day, down from 339,323,128 shares on the previous trading day. The value of shares traded increased, however, with a total worth of Rs. 14.103 billion, up from Rs. 12.893 billion on Friday. This indicates a shift in trading preferences, with investors focusing on higher-value stocks.
In Monday’s session, 444 companies participated in trading. Among them, 132 companies posted gains, while 244 experienced losses. The share prices of 68 companies remained unchanged, reflecting the overall market trend of selective buying amidst broader selling pressure.
Top Trading Companies
Leading the list of actively traded companies was PIA Holding Company, which saw 43,078,126 shares traded at a price of Rs. 18.74 per share. It was followed by WorldCall Telecom, which recorded 21,681,706 shares traded at Rs. 1.20 per share, and Hub Power Company XD, with a trading volume of 20,477,310 shares at Rs. 119.34 per share.
Notable Gainers and Losers
Among the gainers, Lucky Core Industries Limited recorded the highest increase in share price, gaining Rs. 30.90 per share and closing at Rs. 1,051.03. Mari Petroleum Limited followed with a rise of Rs. 16.71, bringing its per-share price to Rs. 425.54.
On the downside, Rafhan Maize Products Company Limited witnessed the steepest decline, with its share price dropping by Rs. 542.49, closing at Rs. 6,804.26. Unilever Pakistan Foods Limited also experienced a significant decline, with its share price falling by Rs. 149.94 to close at Rs. 17,075.06.
Investor Sentiment and Outlook
The bearish start to the week suggests that investor sentiment remains cautious, as the market continues to digest recent economic developments and global market conditions. Despite the uptick in the overall value of traded shares, the decrease in trading volume indicates a measured approach among market participants, who seem to be focusing on quality stocks amid the uncertain environment.
Analysts believe that clarity on policy measures and positive developments on the macroeconomic front could provide the necessary boost to market sentiment. Until then, the PSX may continue to experience mixed trading sessions as investors remain vigilant about global and domestic economic signals.
For the coming days, market watchers will be paying close attention to any announcements from economic policymakers, as well as the evolving trends in global markets, which could influence trading directions at the PSX.