KSE-100 sheds 1,332 points as heavy selling grips the PSX
KSE-100 sheds 1,332 points as heavy selling grips the PSX
KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange ended Thursday’s session sharply lower as broad-based selling pulled the benchmark KSE-100 index down 1,332.47 points, or 0.78 per cent, to close at 168,636.85. The drop reflected growing concerns over economic stability and cautious investor positioning.
KSE-100 1332 points sell-off: the session in numbers
The index started the day on a firm note at 169,969.32 and briefly climbed to an intraday high of 170,688.38, up 719 points. But sellers took control through the afternoon, dragging it to a low of 168,567.78 before it settled slightly above that level at the close.
| Indicator | Thursday, Oct 1 |
|---|---|
| KSE-100 close | 168,636.85 |
| Change (points) | −1,332.47 |
| Change (per cent) | −0.78% |
| Intraday high | 170,688.38 |
| Intraday low | 168,567.78 |
| KSE-100 volume | 149.85 million shares |
Breadth was firmly negative. Of the 100 index companies, only 13 closed up while 86 fell and one finished unchanged. In the broader market, the All-Share Index dropped 795.55 points, or 0.77 per cent, to 102,097.08.
Trading activity totalled 548.38 million shares across 319,668 trades, with a value of Rs17.05 billion, down Rs3.14 billion from the previous session. Of the 492 companies traded, 121 advanced, 323 declined and 48 remained unchanged.
Who dragged the market down
Heavyweight energy and banking stocks led the retreat. Pakistan Petroleum (PPL) alone shaved 131.47 points off the index, followed by United Bank (UBL) with 106.06 points, Hub Power (HUBC) with 84.68, Oil and Gas Development Company (OGDC) with 76.24 and Fauji Fertiliser (FFC) with 71.69.
Sector-wise, commercial banks were the biggest drag at 304.52 points, followed by oil and gas exploration companies at 260.23, cement at 191.55, power generation and distribution at 119.77 and fertiliser at 101.59.
The day’s top losers included Nishat Chunian Power (NCPL), down 4.46 per cent, and Nishat Power (NPL), down 3.34 per cent. Among the few gainers, S.S. Oil Mills (SSOM) rose 7.62 per cent and Pakistan General Commercial (PGLC) added 3.53 per cent.
Why investors sold
The sell-off was driven by ongoing economic uncertainties, with investors opting for caution rather than fresh buying. Sellers emerged across sectors, from oil and gas exploration to technology, which saw some of the heaviest traded volumes of the day.
The pattern of early gains fading into late-session selling suggests fragile sentiment. Market watchers will now look to Friday’s session to see whether buyers return at lower levels or the corrective pressure continues.
FAQ
What caused the KSE-100 sell-off on Thursday?
Broad-based selling across banks, energy and cement stocks pulled the index down 1,332.47 points. Analysts attributed the decline to growing concerns over economic stability and cautious investor sentiment.
Which sectors fell the most?
Commercial banks dragged the index down 304.52 points, followed by oil and gas exploration at 260.23, cement at 191.55, power generation and distribution at 119.77 and fertiliser at 101.59.
What was the total market value traded?
The all-share market traded 548.38 million shares worth Rs17.05 billion across 319,668 trades, a decrease of Rs3.14 billion in traded value from the previous session.
How many companies advanced versus declined?
Of the 492 companies traded on Thursday, 121 closed higher, 323 closed lower and 48 remained unchanged. Within the 100 index companies, 13 gained, 86 fell and one was unchanged.
