PSX Closing Bell: Not Quite Green

August 31, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan’s benchmark KSE-100 Index closed Monday’s trading session at 176,975.67, shedding 720.83 points or 0.41%, as heavy selling in commercial banks, technology and cement stocks outweighed gains in refinery and selected energy stocks.

The index traded in a range of 1,193.77 points, hitting an intraday high of 178,138.68, up 442.18 points, before falling to a low of 176,944.91, down 751.59 points.

The total volume of the KSE-100 Index stood at 493.82 million shares.

The market remained under pressure amid heightened geopolitical concerns after a US strike on two Iranian rocket launchers on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz. The development pushed oil prices higher on concerns over potential supply disruptions, adding to investor caution given the strategic importance of the shipping route.

Of the 100 index companies, 38 closed up, while 62 closed down.

Top losers during the day were SYS (-4.80%), AGP (-3.39%), ABOT (-3.23%), DCR (-2.71%), and HBL (-2.38%).

On the other hand, top gainers were ATRL (+8.46%), CNERGY (+7.29%), HUMNL (+4.08%), ILP (+3.81%), and HCAR (+3.79%).

In terms of index-point contributions, companies that dragged the index lower were UBL (-246.57pts), SYS (-213.09pts), HBL (-160.90pts), LUCK (-73.50pts), and PPL (-61.20pts).

Meanwhile, companies that added points to the index were ATRL (+141.14pts), OGDC (+80.00pts), FFC (+74.87pts), MEBL (+60.76pts), and CNERGY (+51.09pts).

Sector-wise, the KSE-100 Index was let down by Commercial Banks (-410.13pts), Cement (-192.75pts), Technology & Communication (-188.83pts), Pharmaceuticals (-82.42pts), and Inv. Banks / Inv. Cos. / Securities Cos. (-34.58pts).

While the index was supported by Refinery (+192.23pts), Textile Composite (+39.57pts), Fertilizer (+31.43pts), Oil & Gas Marketing Companies (+25.61pts), and Automobile Parts & Accessories (+8.28pts).

In the broader market, the All-Share Index closed at 107,431.86 with a net loss of 273.31 points or 0.25%.

Total market volume rose to 937.27 million shares compared to 658.33m in the previous session, while traded value increased by Rs7.68bn to Rs39.13bn.

There were 448,183 trades reported in 503 companies, with 169 closing up, 302 closing down, and 32 remaining unchanged.

To note, the KSE-100 has lost 3,326 points or 1.84% during the fiscal year, whereas it has increased 2,921 points or 1.68% so far this calendar year.

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