Shares of 345 corporations had been traded. On the finish of the day, 75 shares closed increased, 254 declined and 16 remained unchanged. PHOTO: FILE
KARACHI:
Hopes of additional restoration had been dashed on the Pakistan Inventory Alternate (PSX) on Thursday as heavy promoting pulled the benchmark KSE-100 index down by over 2,500 factors.
Within the morning, although the market commenced buying and selling on a gentle be aware, it started a gradual decline within the very first hour. The index continued to lose floor and plunged to the intra-day low at 178,725 properly after noon.
The bourse noticed broad-based promoting throughout main sectors. There was some late-session restoration that trimmed losses, however it nonetheless ended buying and selling deep within the pink. The KSE-100 index tumbled 2,537.16 factors, or 1.39%, by the shut and settled at 180,512.65.
KTrade Securities fairness dealer Ahmed Sheraz commented that the PSX prolonged its bearish momentum as promoting stress remained broad-based with no seen indicators of power or significant restoration.
Heavyweight sectors together with industrial banks, oil & fuel, know-how, cement and energy contributed negatively to the index. Main blue-chips reminiscent of Pakistan Petroleum, Engro Fertilisers, Hub Energy, Programs Restricted, Oil & Fuel Growth Firm, Engro Holdings, MCB Financial institution, Nationwide Financial institution and Financial institution Alfalah stayed underneath stress, reflecting weak sentiment throughout the board, he stated.
On the company entrance, Engro Fertilisers introduced a dividend of Rs4 per share with This fall earnings of Rs6.26 per share, each beneath market expectations. The corporate cited one-off taxation influence and product reductions supplied to take care of market share as key causes for the weaker-than-expected outcomes. Given the prevailing geopolitical and native uncertainties, together with uninspiring company earnings, the general tone stays fragile. “We count on the market to commerce sideways to destructive within the close to time period and traders are suggested to remain selective in high quality blue-chip names and preserve a cautious, calculated strategy,” Sheraz added.
Arif Habib Restricted (AHL) wrote in its abstract that the KSE-100’s run on 180k lastly befell, with the intra-day low coming in at 178.7k earlier than a late restoration to shut again above 180k. Some 18 shares rose whereas 80 fell with Fauji Fertiliser (+0.5%), Pioneer Cement (+2.21%) and Pakistan Companies (+1.68%) contributing essentially the most to index features.
On the flip aspect, Pakistan Petroleum (-4.52%), Engro Fertilisers (-5.14%) and Hub Energy (-1.80%) had been the largest index drags. In the meantime, Engro Fertilisers introduced CY25 earnings per share (EPS) of Rs16.05, down 20% year-on-year and dividend per share of Rs15, which was beneath expectations.
The decline beneath 180k brings the KSE-100 into the weekly assist zone from the place it might transfer again via 183k. The index has dropped 6.4% and it’s the largest correction since October 2025, which noticed an 8% dip, AHL talked about.
Topline Securities commented that bears got here out in full power, tightening their grip in the marketplace proper from the opening bell. Sentiment turned bitter after Engro Fertiliser’s 4Q2025 outcomes fell wanting avenue expectations, posting EPS of Rs6.26 with a muted dividend payout of Rs4. The frustration acted as a set off, shifting momentum decisively in favour of sellers. The index remained underneath relentless stress all through the session, nosediving to the intra-day low of 4,324 factors earlier than closing at 180,513, down 2,537 factors. Native establishments appeared to steer the promoting spree, maintaining bulls firmly on the defensive.
The E&P sector took the heaviest hit, with PPL and OGDC alone shaving 383 factors off the index. In the meantime, Engro Fertilisers, Hubco, Programs Ltd and Financial institution AL Habib dragged the index down by one other 645 factors, Topline stated.
General buying and selling volumes elevated to 874 million shares in contrast with Wednesday’s tally of 734.7 million.Shares of 485 corporations had been traded. Of those, 93 shares closed increased, 342 fell and 50 remained unchanged.
Ok-Electrical remained the amount chief with 176.9 million shares, falling Rs0.38 to shut at Rs8.22. It was adopted by Cnergyico Pk with 52.2 million shares, shedding Rs0.31 to shut at Rs7.85 and Amtex with 39.7 million shares, shedding Rs0.64 to shut at Rs4.67. International traders offered shares value Rs739.9 million.
