PSX Closing Bell: Losing Ground at Close

April 22, 2026 (MLN): Stocks at the Pakistan Stock Exchange closed lower on Wednesday, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index snapping its previous gaining streak as investor sentiment weakened amid uncertainty surrounding ongoing US-Iran diplomatic efforts.

The KSE-100 Index settled at 171,579.30, down 1,576.49 points or 0.91%. The index traded in a range of 2,197.85 points, touching an intraday high of 173,452.66 (+296.87 points) and a low of 171,254.81 (-1,900.98 points), reflecting cautious market activity.

Trading volumes remained healthy, with total volume in the KSE-100 Index recorded at 358.03 million shares. Market breadth turned negative, as 78 stocks declined, 21 advanced, and 1 remained unchanged.

Among the top losers, SAZEW (-4.07%), DGKC (-3.91%), GHNI (-3.53%), MLCF (-3.42%), and CHCC (-3.22%) led the decline. On the other hand, gains were recorded in YOUW (+17.45%), BNWM (+4.46%), BAHL (+1.80%), APL (+1.72%), and HUBC (+1.62%).

In terms of index-point contribution, the downside was driven by UBL (-345.82 points), LUCK (-150.59 points), PPL (-127.90 points), HBL (-69.25 points), and OGDC (-69.22 points). Meanwhile, support came from HUBC (+122.22 points), BAHL (+91.16 points), FFC (+38.35 points), PSO (+35.58 points), and ATRL (+16.52 points).

Sector-wise, the KSE-100 Index was weighed down by Commercial Banks (-683.02 points), Cement (-369.48 points), Oil & Gas Exploration Companies (-237.32 points), Automobile Assembler (-114.15 points), and Pharmaceuticals (-80.44 points). Some support was seen in Power Generation & Distribution (+88.82 points) and select oil-related segments.

Investor sentiment remained cautious amid growing uncertainty over potential diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran. However, the lack of clarity around the timing and outcome of such negotiations kept investors on edge.

Global oil markets also contributed to the subdued mood, as prices edged lower on Wednesday amid persistent doubts over how tensions between the United States and Iran will evolve. Reports indicating that the U.S. intends to maintain its blockade on Iranian ports signaled continued pressure on Tehran and dampened hopes for a near-term resolution.

 This uncertainty has continued to weigh on investor confidence in regional markets, including Pakistan.

In the broader market, the All-Share Index closed at 102,377.94, down 971.08 points or 0.94%. Total market volume stood at 1,054.06 million shares, while traded value was recorded at Rs37.29 billion.

A total of 486 companies were traded, of which 141 advanced, 303 declined, and 42 remained unchanged, indicating a broadly negative session at the bourse.

To note, the KSE-100 has gained 45,952 points or 36.58% during the fiscal year, whereas it has decreased 2,475 points or 1.42% so far this calendar year.

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