PSX Closing Bell: Slide at Sunset

May 22, 2026 (MLN): The benchmark KSE-100 Index ended Friday’s trading session in the red, closing at 167,844.24, down by 670.20 points or 0.40%, as investor sentiment weakened amid renewed uncertainty surrounding U.S.-Iran peace negotiations and rising international oil prices.

The index traded within a range of 2,144.11 points, touching an intraday high of 169,624.77 (+1,110.33) and a low of 167,480.66 (-1,033.78) points. Total traded volume in the KSE-100 Index stood at 170.38 million shares.

Out of the 100 index companies, 34 closed higher while 63 declined, reflecting cautious investor participation and broad-based selling pressure in key sectors.

Among the top losers were PGLC (-4.68%), GADT (-4.29%), YOUW (-2.21%), CNERGY (-1.87%), and NPL (-1.78%). On the gaining side, PTC (+4.12%), TGL (+3.23%), PIOC (+2.30%), POWER (+1.77%), and COLG (+1.77%) posted notable gains.

In terms of index-point contribution, UBL (-91.31pts), HBL (-73.02pts), LUCK (-72.06pts), ENGROH (-61.63pts), and SYS (-55.94pts) were the major drags on the benchmark index. Meanwhile, PTC (+48.32pts), EFERT (+33.61pts), PPL (+26.91pts), COLG (+16.78pts), and TGL (+12.47pts) helped cushion losses.

Sector-wise, the market was weighed down by Commercial Banks (-245.03pts), Cement (-141.78pts), Inv. Banks / Inv. Cos. / Securities Cos. (-63.98pts), Oil & Gas Exploration Companies (-60.77pts), and Oil & Gas Marketing Companies (-48.75pts). However, Fertilizer (+22.65pts), Food & Personal Care Products (+14.05pts), Automobile Parts & Accessories (+7.73pts), Glass & Ceramics (+7.58pts), and Tobacco (+5.10pts) provided some support.

In the broader market, the All-Share Index closed at 101,190.46, posting a decline of 244.65 points or 0.24%. Total market volume stood at 480.82 million shares, while traded value was recorded at Rs22.72 billion. A total of 315,748 trades were reported across 486 companies, with 160 closing higher, 280 lower, and 46 remaining unchanged.

Investor sentiment remained cautious as global oil prices moved higher on renewed uncertainty surrounding the direction of U.S.-Iran peace talks. Market participants grew wary after recent signals suggested that negotiations may face delays, particularly following reports that Iranian leadership remains firm on retaining enriched uranium within its borders.

The rise in international oil prices and concerns over prolonged geopolitical tensions in the Middle East prompted investors to adopt a defensive stance, leading to profit-taking in heavyweight banking, cement, and energy stocks during the session.

To note, the KSE-100 has gained 42,217 points or 33.60% during the fiscal year, whereas it has decreased 6,210 points or 3.57% so far this calendar year.

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