PSX Closing Bell: Back in the Red Zone

April 27, 2026 (MLN): Stocks at the Pakistan Stock Exchange closed lower on Monday, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index ending in the red as renewed setbacks in US-Iran diplomatic efforts and rising global oil prices weighed on investor sentiment.

The KSE-100 Index settled at 169,497.35, down 1,174.69 points or 0.69%. The index traded in a relatively narrow range of 2,038.28 points, hitting an intraday high of 171,306.61 (+634.57 points) and a low of 169,268.33 (-1,403.71 points).

Market activity remained moderate, with total volume in the KSE-100 Index recorded at 357.30 million shares. Market breadth was slightly negative, as 68 stocks declined, 31 advanced, and 1 remained unchanged.

Among the top losers, MLCF (-4.23%), LOTCHEM (-4.13%), CHCC (-3.98%), KOHC (-3.58%), and NBP (-3.52%) led the decline. On the other hand, gains were seen in YOUW (+12.61%), MEHT (+7.23%), THALL (+5.61%), ILP (+4.77%), and GHNI (+3.34%).

In terms of index-point contribution, the downside was driven by UBL (-195.39 points), OGDC (-151.87 points), NBP (-132.61 points), LUCK (-112.30 points), and PPL (-79.15 points). Meanwhile, support came from HBL (+77.50 points), MEBL (+44.48 points), THALL (+41.62 points), ILP (+37.13 points), and EFERT (+36.66 points).

Sector-wise, the KSE-100 Index was weighed down by Commercial Banks (-360.48 points), Cement (-329.76 points), Oil & Gas Exploration Companies (-267.24 points), Oil & Gas Marketing Companies (-72.99 points), and Power Generation & Distribution (-67.54 points). Some support was observed in automobile-related and textile sectors.

Investor sentiment remained cautious as oil prices climbed following the collapse of renewed efforts to restart peace negotiations between the United States and Iran, raising concerns over potential supply disruptions.

Over the weekend, Donald Trump announced that he had cancelled plans to send U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and advisor Jared Kushner to Islamabad for talks with Iranian officials, signaling a setback in diplomatic engagement.

On the Iranian side, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had traveled to Islamabad but held discussions only with Pakistani officials before departing, further highlighting the lack of progress toward direct negotiations.

The breakdown in talks and renewed uncertainty around the geopolitical situation pushed oil prices higher, dampening investor confidence and keeping pressure on equity markets, including Pakistan.

In the broader market, the All-Share Index closed at 101,339.29, down 695.59 points or 0.68%. Total market volume stood at 780.23 million shares, while traded value was recorded at Rs33.42 billion.

A total of 483 companies were traded, of which 217 advanced, 229 declined, and 37 remained unchanged, reflecting a mixed but slightly negative session at the bourse.

To note, the KSE-100 has gained 43,870 points or 34.92% during the fiscal year, whereas it has decreased 4,557 points or 2.62% so far this calendar year.

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