The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) witnessed a bearish trend during the latest trading week, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index shedding 4,044 points to close at 162,374 as geopolitical tensions and rising oil prices dampened investor sentiment.
The index fluctuated within a range of 4,406 points during the week, touching a high of 166,698 and a low of 162,292.
Trading volume reached 1.96 billion shares, with transactions valued at Rs96 billion. Meanwhile, the market’s total capitalisation declined by Rs465 billion to Rs18.014 trillion.
Middle East Conflict Weighs on Market Sentiment
Market analysts attributed the downturn to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, attacks on Saudi Arabia and rising international oil prices, which discouraged investors from making fresh purchases.
Analysts said uncertainty surrounding regional developments continued to influence trading activity, with investors remaining cautious amid concerns over the potential economic implications of prolonged conflict and higher energy costs.
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They added that greater clarity regarding a possible ceasefire would be important for restoring investor confidence and supporting a recovery in share prices.
Earlier Weekly Decline Reflected Rate Concerns
In an earlier trading week, the PSX also recorded a decline as geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran, alongside concerns over a possible interest rate hike, weighed on market sentiment.
During that period, the benchmark KSE-100 Index closed at 166,419 points, down 670 points from the previous week’s close of 167,089.
The index touched a high of 166,988 points and a low of 164,060 points during the five trading sessions, reflecting investor uncertainty over geopolitical developments and the outlook for interest rates.
Market activity remained subdued as investors assessed the potential effects of regional tensions and higher borrowing costs on economic growth and corporate performance.
The latest weekly decline underscores the sensitivity of Pakistan’s equity market to geopolitical risks, movements in international oil prices and expectations about the domestic economic outlook.
