PSX Closing Bell: A Slip Down the Ladder

March 12, 2026 (MLN): The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) ended Thursday’s session in the red as investor sentiment weakened amid uncertainty surrounding the International Monetary Fund (IMF) review talks and rising global oil prices following escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

The KSE-100 Index concluded the trading session at 154,421.43, registering a decline of 1,437.04 points or 0.92%.

The index traded within a range of 3,576.58 points, touching an intraday high of 157,080.28 (+1,221.81) and a low of 153,503.70 (-2,354.77) during the session.

The total volume of the KSE-100 Index stood at 202.93 million shares.

Market breadth remained negative, with 25 companies closing higher, 71 declining, three unchanged, and one remaining untraded.

Among the top losers were PGLC (-6.21%), IBFL (-5.40%), FCCL (-4.51%), PKGS (-3.95%), and NML (-3.71%). On the other hand, top gainers included HINOON (+8.48%), AGP (+8.11%), SRVI (+5.73%), SYS (+5.41%), and HGFA (+4.72%).

In terms of index-point contributions, companies that dragged the index lower included UBL (-273.32pts), LUCK (-187.53pts), OGDC (-186.01pts), HUBC (-169.43pts), and MCB (-155.92pts). Meanwhile, companies providing support were ENGROH (+385.13pts), SYS (+188.84pts), SRVI (+68.28pts), EFERT (+52.43pts), and HINOON (+50.69pts).

Sector-wise, the KSE-100 Index was weighed down by Commercial Banks (-870.21pts), Cement (-364.61pts), Oil & Gas Exploration Companies (-363.46pts), Power Generation & Distribution (-161.73pts), and Automobile Assembler (-104.13pts).

Support came from Investment Banks / Investment Companies / Securities Companies (+374.31pts), Technology & Communication (+172.60pts), Leather & Tanneries (+68.28pts), Pharmaceuticals (+64.32pts), and Insurance (+15.55pts).

In the broader market, the All-Share Index closed at 92,487.77, posting a loss of 898.05 points or 0.96%.

Total market volume stood at 404.25 million shares, compared to 441.88 million in the previous session, while traded value was recorded at Rs24.67 billion, down Rs0.31 billion. A total of 241,345 trades were reported in 471 companies, with 157 closing higher, 252 declining, and 62 remaining unchanged.

Investor sentiment remained cautious as Pakistan’s ongoing discussions with the IMF on the review of its Extended Fund Facility continued beyond the formal mission timeline, leaving markets waiting for clarity on the next tranche and future policy direction.

At the same time, global energy markets remained volatile after oil prices surged above $100 per barrel following drone strikes on fuel storage facilities at Oman’s Port of Salalah, intensifying Middle East tensions and raising fears of supply disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route. The spike in crude prices heightened concerns for Pakistan’s economy, which relies heavily on energy imports, adding pressure to investor sentiment.

To note, the KSE-100 has gained 28,794 points or 22.92% during the fiscal year, whereas it has decreased 19,633 points or 11.28% so far this calendar year.

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