PSX Closing Bell: Red Takes the Curtain Call

June 03, 2026 (MLN): The benchmark KSE-100 Index returned to negative territory on Wednesday, closing at 170,190.64, down by 831.13 points or 0.49%, as investor sentiment weakened amid rising geopolitical uncertainty and higher global oil prices.

The index traded in a range of 1,834.12 points, reaching an intraday high of 171,624.45 (+602.68) and a low of 169,790.33 (-1,231.44) points. Total traded volume in the KSE-100 Index stood at 163.72 million shares.

Out of the 100 index companies, 25 closed higher while 74 declined, reflecting broad-based selling pressure across key sectors.

Among the top losers were POWER (-2.76%), CNERGY (-2.41%), FHAM (-2.38%), HINOON (-2.26%), and LOTCHEM (-2.14%). On the gaining side, HCAR (+8.08%), GADT (+2.48%), PGLC (+1.71%), KOHC (+1.38%), and PTC (+1.27%) posted gains.

In terms of index-point contribution, LUCK (-89.72pts), UBL (-76.60pts), MEBL (-65.78pts), ENGROH (-57.93pts), and HUBC (-53.39pts) were the major drags on the benchmark index. Meanwhile, SYS (+32.76pts), MCB (+27.11pts), EFERT (+24.16pts), HCAR (+20.84pts), and PTC (+17.01pts) helped limit the decline.

Sector-wise, the market was weighed down by Commercial Banks (-280.96pts), Cement (-139.59pts), Power Generation & Distribution (-75.47pts), Oil & Gas Exploration Companies (-74.25pts), and Inv. Banks / Inv. Cos. / Securities Cos. (-59.95pts). However, gains in Technology & Communication (+23.06pts), Textile Spinning (+2.18pts), Real Estate Investment Trust (+0.64pts), Leasing Companies (+0.08pts), and Woollen (+0.04pts) provided some support.

In the broader market, the All-Share Index closed at 102,532.97, posting a decline of 415.67 points or 0.40%. Total market volume stood at 551.95 million shares, while traded value was recorded at Rs23.76 billion. A total of 359,556 trades were reported across 490 companies, with 183 closing higher, 266 lower, and 41 remaining unchanged.

Investor sentiment remained cautious as global oil prices moved higher amid the growing conflict between the United States and Iran. The rise in crude prices renewed concerns over inflationary pressures and the potential impact of prolonged geopolitical tensions on the global economy, prompting investors to adopt a risk-off approach.

Although reports of continued diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran helped ease fears of an immediate escalation, uncertainty surrounding the conflict kept market participants on the sidelines. Selling in heavyweight banking, cement, and energy stocks weighed on the benchmark index, leading to another subdued session at the Pakistan Stock Exchange.

To note, the KSE-100 has gained 44,563 points or 35.47% during the fiscal year, whereas it has decreased 3,864 points or 2.22% so far this calendar year.

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