PSX Extends Losses as KSE-100 Drops 814 Points to 165,152

Pakistan Stock Exchange shares ended lower for a second consecutive session on Tuesday, with the benchmark KSE-100 index losing 814.44 points. The index closed at 165,151.64, representing a decline of 0.49% from the previous session’s closing level of 165,966.09.

The market briefly moved into positive territory and reached an intraday high of 166,425.56. Selling pressure subsequently pulled the benchmark down to 165,111.14, creating a trading range of more than 1,314 points during the session.

The index finished only about 40 points above its lowest level of the day. This closing position showed that the market was unable to retain its earlier gains and that downward pressure remained present during the final part of trading.

Share turnover increased despite the weaker close. Regular-market volume rose to 446.84 million shares from 370.94 million shares in the preceding session, an increase of approximately 75.90 million shares or slightly more than 20%.

The total value of shares traded was Rs19.43 billion, compared with Rs19.56 billion previously. Although considerably more shares changed hands, the monetary value of trading declined slightly, indicating that the higher turnover did not translate into increased overall transaction value.

Total market capitalisation fell to approximately Rs18.31 trillion from Rs18.43 trillion in the previous session. The difference amounted to nearly Rs118.44 billion, reflecting the reduction in the combined market value of listed companies as the benchmark extended its losses.

Market breadth was also firmly negative. Out of 499 companies whose shares were traded in the ready market, 128 recorded gains, 324 declined and 47 closed unchanged. Declining companies therefore outnumbered advancing stocks by more than two and a half to one.

The figures present a mixed picture of stronger trading activity alongside falling prices and weaker market breadth. Increased volume can signal greater investor participation, but the large number of declining shares shows that buying interest was insufficient to reverse the broader downward movement.

Investors will now watch whether the benchmark can stabilise after two consecutive negative sessions. The next trading session will indicate whether increased turnover attracts fresh buying near current levels or whether selling pressure continues to weigh on the index and listed companies’ market value.