PSX Closing Bell: The Climb Slows Down

May 04, 2026 (MLN):The benchmark KSE-100 Index concluded Monday's trading session at 163,948.94, posting a gain of 954.77 points or 0.59%, as early bullish momentum lost some steam in the final hours of trading.

The index remained positive throughout the session, moving within a wide range of 3,827.70 points. It touched an intraday high of 167,245.54 (+4,251.37) before paring gains to a low of 163,417.84 (+423.67).

Total volume of the KSE-100 Index stood at 355.71 million shares.

Market breadth was positive, with 65 stocks closing higher, 34 declining, and 1 remaining unchanged.

Top gainers included SSGC (+7.37%), PABC (+3.95%), SAZEW (+3.67%), AGP (+3.01%), and JVDC (+2.84%). On the other hand, HCAR (-8.45%), POWER (-3.55%), KOHC (-3.33%), SSOM (-2.47%), and GHGL (-2.37%) were among the major laggards.

In terms of index-point contributions, UBL (+143.45pts), FFC (+134.49pts), MCB (+107.52pts), OGDC (+80.25pts), and HUBC (+77.75pts) supported the index. Meanwhile, MEBL (-86.65pts), MLCF (-28.50pts), POL (-28.23pts), ATRL (-28.13pts), and KOHC (-21.56pts) weighed on performance.

Sector-wise, gains were led by Commercial Banks, Fertilizer, Oil & Gas Exploration Companies, Power Generation & Distribution, and Technology & Communication. However, losses in Refinery, Automobile Parts, Glass & Ceramics, and other smaller sectors capped the upside.

In the broader market, the All-Share Index closed at 98,115.06, gaining 589.15 points or 0.60%.

Total market volume stood at 696.70 million shares compared to 837.37 million in the previous session, while traded value was recorded at Rs34.91 billion, down by Rs1.43bn.

A total of 404,344 trades were reported in 487 companies, with 295 closing up, 151 closing down, and 41 remaining unchanged.

The market opened on a strong note as investors reacted positively to easing oil prices, driven by expectations of improved supply flows following the United States’ “Project Freedom” initiative aimed at restoring maritime activity in the Strait of Hormuz.

The plan, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, seeks to assist stranded vessels and normalize shipping routes, which initially lifted sentiment in energy-importing markets like Pakistan.

However, gains were trimmed in the latter part of the session after fresh geopolitical tensions resurfaced. Iran claimed it had stopped a U.S. warship from entering the Strait of Hormuz.

The escalation reignited concerns over potential conflict in the region, keeping investors cautious and limiting further upside in the market despite a positive close.

To note, the KSE-100 has gained 38,322 points or 30.50% during the fiscal year, whereas it has decreased 10,105 points or 5.81% so far this calendar year.

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