PSX Closing Bell: A Slip Down the Ladder

March 26, 2026 (MLN): The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) came under heavy selling pressure on Thursday, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index posting a sharp decline amid weak investor sentiment driven by rising geopolitical uncertainty and higher global oil prices.

The KSE-100 Index closed at 152,907.96, recording a steep loss of 5,405.48 points or 3.41%.

The index traded in a wide range of 4,923.16 points, reaching an intraday high of 157,591.23 (-722.21) and a low of 152,668.07 (-5,645.37), reflecting heightened volatility throughout the session. Total traded volume for the index stood at 313.13 million shares.

Market breadth remained overwhelmingly negative, with 94 companies closing lower, only 5 advancing, and 1 remaining unchanged.

Among the top losers were IBFL (-9.96%), KEL (-9.49%), GHNI (-8.60%), AGP (-7.27%), and UBL (-7.07%). On the other hand, BNWM (+5.39%), PKGS (+2.70%), PABC (+1.87%), NESTLE (+0.62%), and INIL (+0.19%) managed to post gains.

In terms of index-point contribution, the decline was led by UBL (-798.05pts), FFC (-428.29pts), ENGROH (-373.04pts), LUCK (-279.04pts), and HUBC (-260.08pts). Meanwhile, PKGS (+17.19pts), NESTLE (+7.50pts), PABC (+4.11pts), INIL (+0.57pts), and BNWM (+0.51pts) provided limited support to the index.

Sector-wise, the index was dragged down by Commercial Banks (-1730.67pts), Cement (-597.16pts), Oil & Gas Exploration Companies (-553.76pts), Fertilizer (-545.03pts), and Investment Banks / Securities Companies (-415.62pts). Modest support came from Paper, Board & Packaging (+17.19pts) and select smaller sectors.

In the broader market, the All-Share Index settled at 91,785.83, down 2,879.94 points or 3.04%.

Overall market activity also declined, with total volume recorded at 521.63 million shares, compared to 612.36 million in the previous session, while traded value fell to Rs27.14 billion, down Rs7.46 billion. A total of 364,959 trades were executed across 484 companies, with 71 closing higher, 356 declining, and 57 remaining unchanged.

The sharp downturn was primarily attributed to renewed geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which dampened investor confidence. Global oil prices edged higher after Iran signaled it is unwilling to engage in direct negotiations with the United States, reducing hopes for a near-term diplomatic resolution.

The rise in oil prices intensified concerns over inflationary pressures and external account risks for Pakistan, prompting widespread selling, particularly in heavyweight sectors such as banking, cement, and energy.

To note, the KSE-100 has gained 27,281 points or 21.72% during the fiscal year, whereas it has decreased 21,146 points or 12.15% so far this calendar year.

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