KSE-100 sinks 8,687 points (-7.3%) in record crash after reopening

April 07, 2025 (MLN): The carnage at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) intensified on Monday as the KSE-100 index plunged further after the market reopened post-halt.

Following an earlier drop of over 6,000 points, the benchmark KSE-100 index sank by a staggering 8,687.69 points or 7.31% to trade at 110,103.97, the steepest intraday decline in PSX history.

Top losers during the day were AGL (-10.00%), SEARL (-10.00%), SRVI (-10.00%), UNITY (-9.99%), and PSX (-9.98%).

In terms of index-point contributions, companies that dragged the index lower were UBL (-508.28pts), ENGROH (-458.25pts), MARI (-434.40pts), OGDC (-432.57pts), and HUBC (-428.65pts).

Sector-wise, KSE-100 Index was let down by Commercial Banks (-1478.34pts), Oil & Gas Exploration Companies (-1443.95pts), Fertilizer (-595.25pts), Cement (-593.75pts), and Power Generation & Distribution (-521.98pts).

The major trigger for the historic plunge was the mounting fears surrounding U.S. President Donald Trump's aggressive tariff policies, which have already sparked turbulence in global markets.

His stance on trade has led to a wave of uncertainty, amplifying recessionary worries across markets worldwide.

Last week, the United States significantly raised tariffs on Pakistani exports, increasing rates from 4-5% to 29% under its reciprocal trade policy.

However, the analyst community is divided on how the tariffs might affect Pakistan's economy. While many fear the global fallout, some believe that, as an import-led economy, Pakistan could stand to benefit from a possible decline in global commodity prices.

The potential reduction in import costs could offset some of the broader challenges posed by the trade war.

 Copyright Mettis Link News