PSX Closing Bell: The End of the Road

April 23, 2026 (MLN): Stocks at the Pakistan Stock Exchange remained under pressure on Thursday, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index extending its losing streak as escalating geopolitical tensions and a surge in global oil prices dampened investor sentiment.

The KSE-100 Index closed at 169,173.37, down 2,405.93 points or 1.40%. The market witnessed notable volatility, trading in a range of 3,145.72 points, with an intraday high of 171,561.74 (-17.56 points) and a low of 168,416.02 (-3,163.28 points).

Trading activity remained robust, with total volume in the KSE-100 Index recorded at 310.84 million shares. Market breadth stayed negative, as 84 stocks declined, 15 advanced, and 1 remained unchanged, indicating broad-based selling.

Among the top losers, PIOC (-5.84%), SSGC (-5.01%), ISL (-4.91%), GAL (-4.86%), and INIL (-4.85%) led the decline. On the other hand, gains were seen in YOUW (+14.86%), IBFL (+7.92%), BNWM (+3.09%), HGFA (+2.39%), and AICL (+1.86%).

In terms of index-point contribution, the downside was driven by FFC (-235.66 points), UBL (-204.77 points), MEBL (-137.46 points), PPL (-134.82 points), and BAFL (-133.83 points). Meanwhile, limited support came from AICL (+14.07 points), JVDC (+12.01 points), IBFL (+9.37 points), ATRL (+9.28 points), and NESTLE (+6.51 points).

Sector-wise, the KSE-100 Index was weighed down by Commercial Banks (-789.19 points), Fertilizer (-366.84 points), Oil & Gas Exploration Companies (-296.99 points), Cement (-288.59 points), and Automobile Assembler (-120.82 points). Some support emerged from insurance and property-related segments.

Investor sentiment remained fragile amid persistent geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran. Oil prices surged past the $103 per barrel mark, intensifying concerns over global inflation and energy supply disruptions, which weighed heavily on equity markets.

Although Donald Trump agreed to extend a ceasefire following mediation efforts involving Pakistan, both sides have continued to impose restrictions on maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. The partial disruption of this critical trade route has kept global energy markets on edge.

The ongoing uncertainty surrounding the durability of the ceasefire and lack of a clear diplomatic breakthrough continued to cloud investor outlook, prompting cautious trading at the local bourse.

In the broader market, the All-Share Index closed at 101,133.75, down 1,244.19 points or 1.22%. Total market volume stood at 1,321.51 million shares, while traded value was recorded at Rs30.84 billion.

A total of 482 companies were traded during the session, of which 163 advanced, 286 declined, and 33 remained unchanged, reflecting an overall negative close.

To note, the KSE-100 has gained 43,546 points or 34.66% during the fiscal year, whereas it has decreased 4,881 points or 2.80% so far this calendar year.

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