PSX Ends Higher in Volatile Session Amid Security Concerns
KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) concluded Wednesday with modest gains, navigating a day of fluctuating fortunes influenced by recent security incidents and broader economic considerations. The KSE-100 index ultimately closed at 158,183.95 points, a rise of 313.44 points, or 0.20 percent, reversing initial bearish sentiment following two recent terrorist attacks.
The market experienced intraday swings, reaching a high of 164,500 points and a low of 166,600 points, reflecting investor indecision. According to Topline Securities Ltd, initial bullish momentum proved short-lived, with the index facing pressure before regaining positive ground. Trading volume decreased by 9.46 percent to 757.24 million shares, with a corresponding 12.24 percent drop in traded value to Rs33 billion. Frist National Equities Ltd led volume with 89 million shares traded.
Several index-heavy stocks contributed to the day’s gains. Fauji Fertiliser, Pakistan Services, Pakistan Petroleum, United Bank, and Kohinoor Textile Mills collectively added 777 points to the benchmark. Conversely, Lucky Cement, Habib Bank, Systems Ltd, and Oil and Gas Development Company detracted 303 points.
Ali Najib, Deputy Head of Trading at Arif Habib Ltd, noted the market’s struggle between bullish and bearish forces, ultimately closing modestly higher despite ongoing domestic and regional security concerns impacting investor confidence.
overall market sentiment remained cautious due to a lack of significant positive catalysts. investors are also closely watching Pakistan’s plan to re-enter the global debt market in the coming year by issuing dollar-denominated bonds – a move not undertaken in nearly five years. While this signals increased confidence in Pakistan’s external stability following a near-default situation two years prior, it also reignites discussions surrounding debt sustainability and investor appetite. Analysts observed that the index attempted to break through its current consolidation range but faced selling pressure near the day’s high,indicating weakening momentum and possibly fading bullish strength.
Published in Dawn, November 13th, 2025
