PSX Opening Bell: Bears Strike First

July 08, 2026 (MLN): The benchmark KSE-100 Index opened Wednesday's trading session on a weak note, standing at 183,759.73 as of 9:37am, down 2,495.82 points, or 1.34%, as investors turned risk-averse following renewed geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and a sharp rise in international oil prices.

Market sentiment remained under pressure after oil prices advanced as the United States launched fresh military strikes on Iran in response to attacks on commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, reviving fears of supply disruptions and escalating regional conflict.

The renewed uncertainty prompted broad-based selling across the local bourse, particularly in banking, cement, oil and gas, and fertilizer stocks.

The index traded in a range of 672.50 points, touching an intraday  low of 183,759.73 (-2,495.82 points) during early trade.

The total volume of the KSE-100 Index stood at 7.90 million shares.

Of the 100 index companies, 7 advanced, 83 declined, 1 remained unchanged.

Top losers during the session were CHCC (-4.77%), TGL (-4.23%), ISL (-3.82%), I.NIL (-3.13%), and KOHC (-2.79%).

In terms of index-point contribution, UBL (-306.08pts) led the declines, followed by FFC (-176.74pts), ENGROH (-150.40pts), HUBC (-144.94pts), and MEBL (-131.68pts).

Sector-wise, the KSE-100 Index was dragged lower by Commercial Banks (-908.05pts), Cement (-313.40pts), Oil & Gas Exploration Companies (-275.52pts), Fertilizer (-229.89pts), and Investment Banks / Investment Companies / Securities Companies (-175.04pts).

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