The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) closed sharply lower on Thursday as heavy selling pushed the benchmark KSE-100 Index down by more than 3,000 points.
The KSE-100 fell 3,078.55 points, or 1.79%, to close at 168,865.04. The index had ended the previous session at 171,943.59.
The market remained volatile throughout the session. The index reached an intraday high of 171,945.83. It later dropped to a low of 168,471.78.
PSX Market Sees Heavy Selling
Trading activity remained strong despite the sharp decline.
According to market data, investors traded 628.67 million shares during the session. The total value of traded shares reached around Rs27.02 billion.
Trading volume also increased from the previous session. On Wednesday, investors traded about 477.67 million shares.
The figures show that market activity remained elevated as investors adjusted their positions during the volatile session.
Most Stocks Close Lower
Selling pressure spread across the broader market.
A total of 569 companies were listed in the session’s market summary. Among them, 406 stocks declined, while only 58 advanced. Another 105 remained unchanged.
Therefore, declining stocks heavily outnumbered gainers.
The broad-based weakness reflected a cautious mood among investors. Rising oil prices and growing geopolitical uncertainty also added pressure to market sentiment.
Market Capitalization Falls
The decline in share prices also reduced the total market value of listed companies.
Market capitalization fell to about Rs18.85 trillion from approximately Rs19.23 trillion in the previous session.
That represents a substantial drop in overall market value in just one trading day.
The decline also came as international oil prices moved higher. Investors remained concerned about the possible economic impact of prolonged disruptions in global oil supplies.
Investors Watch Global Developments
Meanwhile, investors are closely watching developments in global markets and the wider geopolitical environment.
Higher oil prices can increase pressure on import costs and inflation. They can also raise concerns about Pakistan’s external account and broader economic stability.
As a result, market participants may remain cautious in the coming sessions.
For now, the PSX has ended the week’s Thursday session on a weaker note. The KSE-100’s next move will depend on investor sentiment, oil prices and developments in international markets.
The sharp fall also highlights the sensitivity of Pakistan’s stock market to external economic and geopolitical risks.
