PSX Closing Bell: Downbeat End

April 20, 2026 (MLN): Stocks at the Pakistan Stock Exchange ended Monday’s session in the red, although the benchmark KSE-100 Index recovered significantly from intraday lows as late-session buying helped trim earlier steep losses.

The KSE-100 Index closed at 172,196.70, down 1,742.31 points or 1%.

The index experienced sharp volatility during the session, trading in a wide range of 5,297.20 points, with an intraday high of 174,523.76 (+584.75 points) and a low of 169,226.56 (-4,712.45 points).

Trading activity remained strong, with total volume in the KSE-100 Index recorded at 597.87 million shares. Market breadth, however, remained negative as 77 companies declined, 22 advanced, and 1 remained unchanged, reflecting lingering selling pressure.

Among the top losers, SSGC (-4.69%), FFL (-4.60%), THALL (-4.41%), AHCL (-4.08%), and KEL (-3.90%) posted notable declines. On the other hand, gains were seen in JVDC (+4.60%), INIL (+3.87%), BAFL (+3.22%), GADT (+2.66%), and MUREB (+2.60%).

In terms of index-point contribution, the decline was driven by FFC (-268.01 points), HBL (-197.47 points), HUBC (-185.08 points), LUCK (-129.37 points), and ENGROH (-124.96 points). Meanwhile, support came from UBL (+271.64 points), BAFL (+99.18 points), NBP (+51.86 points), OGDC (+43.07 points), and JVDC (+39.85 points).

Sector-wise, the KSE-100 Index was weighed down by Fertilizer (-412.18 points), Cement (-356.55 points), Power Generation & Distribution (-234.64 points), Commercial Banks (-201.50 points), and Investment Banks/Companies/Securities Companies (-120.30 points). Some support emerged from property, refinery, and engineering sectors.

Investor sentiment remained cautious amid heightened geopolitical tensions.

Concerns intensified after reports that the United States seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting Iran to signal that no new round of talks is currently planned. Earlier, Donald Trump had indicated the possibility of sending a delegation to Islamabad for negotiations, but the latest developments have clouded those prospects.

Oil markets also remained volatile, with prices rebounding sharply amid fears of supply disruptions after reports suggested the Strait of Hormuz had been shut again. Both the United States and Iran accused each other of breaching a fragile ceasefire, further escalating uncertainty in global energy markets.

The spike in oil prices and breakdown in diplomatic momentum weighed on investor confidence throughout the session, although some late recovery was seen as bargain hunting emerged at lower levels.

In the broader market, the All-Share Index closed at 102,788.51, down 1,012.43 points or 0.98%. Total market volume stood at 1,296.21 million shares, while traded value was recorded at Rs65.27 billion.

A total of 488 companies were traded during the session, of which 138 advanced, 319 declined, and 31 remained unchanged, reflecting a cautious and somewhat negative close despite intraday recovery.

To note, the KSE-100 has gained 46,569 points or 37.07% during the fiscal year, whereas it has decreased 1,858 points or 1.07% so far this calendar year.

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