PSX Closing Bell: On the Back Foot

May 08, 2026 (MLN): The benchmark KSE-100 Index ended Friday’s trading session in the red, closing at 171,115.82, down by 1,778.45 points or 1.03%, as investors turned cautious amid renewed geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and persistent uncertainty surrounding global oil markets.

The index traded in a range of 1,894.33 points, recording an intraday high of 172,287.45 (-606.82) and a low of 170,393.12 (-2,501.15) points. Total volume traded in the KSE-100 Index stood at 431.76 million shares.

Out of the 100 index companies, 25 closed higher, 74 declined, while 1 remained unchanged.

Among the major laggards were FCCL (-2.99%), INIL (-2.93%), ABOT (-2.87%), SSGC (-2.85%), and FATIMA (-2.40%). On the gaining side, GADT (+8.50%), PIOC (+5.77%), HCAR (+3.71%), HUMNL (+2.99%), and KEL (+2.53%) posted notable advances.

In terms of index-point contribution, UBL (-198.42pts), ENGROH (-188.52pts), MEBL (-141.31pts), PPL (-115.59pts), and MARI (-99.00pts) weighed heavily on the benchmark index. Meanwhile, KEL (+19.26pts), PIOC (+18.05pts), MTL (+16.22pts), JVDC (+14.08pts), and HINOON (+13.71pts) provided some support to the market.

Sector-wise, the decline was led by Commercial Banks (-703.47pts), Oil & Gas Exploration Companies (-332.20pts), Investment Banks/Companies/Securities (-201.94pts), Fertilizer (-175.95pts), and Cement (-168.72pts). On the other hand, Refinery (+21.10pts), Property (+14.08pts), Paper, Board & Packaging (+10.77pts), Insurance (+8.69pts), and Textile Spinning (+6.60pts) offered limited support.

In the broader market, the All-Share Index closed at 102,630.81, posting a loss of 743.98 points or 0.72%. Total market volume stood at 1,025.27 million shares, while traded value was recorded at Rs36.67 billion. A total of 433,925 trades were reported across 487 companies, with 210 closing higher, 243 lower, and 34 remaining unchanged.

Investor sentiment remained under pressure as oil prices stayed firm following a military exchange between the United States and Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. The escalation renewed fears that the fragile ceasefire between the two countries could collapse, threatening stability in one of the world’s most critical energy supply routes.

The renewed geopolitical uncertainty kept investors cautious throughout the session, particularly in heavyweight sectors including banks, exploration companies, and fertilizers, amid concerns that any prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could intensify global energy market volatility and weigh on broader economic sentiment.

To note, the KSE-100 has gained 45,489 points or 36.21% during the fiscal year, whereas it has decreased 2,938 points or 1.69% so far this calendar year.

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