The Pakistan Stock Exchange’s benchmark KSE-100 Index closed Friday’s trading session at 119,102.67, marking a slight decline of 50.37 points, or 0.04%. The index showed volatility throughout the day, trading within a wide range of 877.26 points, reaching an intraday high of 119,542.51 (+389.47 points) and a low of 118,665.25 (-487.79 points). The total traded volume on the KSE-100 was recorded at 99.80 million shares.
Out of the 100 companies listed on the index, 33 closed with gains, 62 ended lower, and 5 remained unchanged, reflecting a cautious market mood. Among the top decliners were Pakistan Oilfields Limited (POML), which fell 7.25%, Hum Network Limited (HUMNL) down 4.69%, Pak Arab Fertilizers (PABC) slipping 4.02%, Bannu Woollen Mills (BNWM) declining 2.95%, and Islamabad Stock Exchange Limited (ISL) down 1.90%. On the upside, top gainers included Fauji Cement Company Limited (FCEPL) up 5.92%, Pakistan Kuwait Investment Company (PKGP) rising 4.60%, Attock Refinery Limited (ATRL) climbing 3.48%, International Brands Limited (IBFL) advancing 3.15%, and Engro Holdings Limited (ENGROH) increasing 3.08%.
Examining index-point contributions, major downward pressure came from fertilizer giant Fauji Fertilizer Company (FFC) which subtracted 54.53 points, followed by MCB Bank (-42.16 points), Systems Limited (-34.69 points), Mari Petroleum (-31.72 points), and Pakistan Petroleum Limited (-28.86 points). On the other hand, the index was buoyed primarily by Engro Holdings, adding 175.89 points, Attock Refinery Limited (+30.84 points), Pakistan Kuwait Investment Company (+27.47 points), Meezan Bank Limited (+24.76 points), and Pakistan Services Limited (+20.99 points).
Sector-wise, the market faced pressure mainly from Fertilizer (-68.70 points), Oil & Gas Exploration Companies (-55.83 points), Technology & Communication (-50.39 points), Cement (-38.88 points), and Commercial Banks (-25.76 points). In contrast, positive momentum came from Investment Banks/Investment Companies/Securities Companies (+168.98 points), Refinery (+29.92 points), Food & Personal Care Products (+27.00 points), Power Generation & Distribution (+7.04 points), and Miscellaneous sectors (+6.50 points).
Looking beyond the benchmark index, the broader All-Share Index finished at 74,155.62, registering a marginal gain of 7.82 points or 0.01%. Total market volume declined to 337.99 million shares from the previous session’s 589.77 million, while the traded value also dropped significantly by Rs12.30 billion to Rs18.51 billion. The market saw 236,867 trades across 459 listed companies, with 183 posting gains, 232 recording losses, and 44 remaining unchanged.
Among the most actively traded stocks by volume were Bata Pakistan Limited (BBFL) with 32.68 million shares traded and a 4.04% gain, Worldcall Telecom Limited (WTL) down 1.57% with 19.36 million shares, DOL Pharma (DOL) up 6.77% with 16.05 million shares, Premier Insurance Limited (PREMA) rising 1.44% on 13.45 million shares, and GlaxoSmithKline Pakistan (GGL) falling 6.22% with 11.33 million shares exchanged.
It is notable that despite the recent fluctuations, the KSE-100 Index has demonstrated significant growth over the fiscal year, gaining 40,658 points or 51.83%. Year-to-date, the index has risen by 3,976 points, reflecting a steady 3.45% increase. This mixed performance signals a market caught between cautious optimism and underlying pressures, as investors navigate global uncertainties and local economic factors.
Friday’s session at the PSX highlighted this balancing act, with sectors and stocks oscillating between gains and losses, and trading volumes showing some retreat. As Pakistan’s market continues to evolve, investors remain alert to both domestic developments and global trends shaping the future trajectory of the country’s equities.