The index closed at 164,444.72 points compared to the previous day’s 165,686.38 points.

Despite the downturn, trading activity remained intense. Over 3,078,369,285 shares were traded during the session, a significant jump from 1,528,361,133 shares a day earlier. However, the total value of shares traded declined to Rs50.608 billion from Rs68.604 billion, reflecting lower price action across major sectors.

A total of 484 companies took part in the day’s trading. Among them, 174 recorded gains while 269 faced losses, and 41 remained unchanged. Analysts noted that the session was dominated by cautious trading, with investors preferring to secure profits after several strong sessions earlier in the week.

K-Electric Limited led the volume chart with 1,022,414,237 shares traded at Rs7.70 per share, followed by WorldCall Telecom with 953,713,941 shares at Rs2.09 and Telecard Limited with 99,870,338 shares at Rs11.34.

In the top gainers’ list, Unilever Pakistan Foods Limited rose by Rs347.94 to close at Rs29,736.27 per share, while PIA Holding Company LimitedB gained Rs96.00 to end at Rs24,646.22.

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On the losing side, Nestle Pakistan Limited saw the steepest fall, dropping by Rs156.43 to close at Rs8,178.57, followed by Rafhan Maize Products Company Limited which declined by Rs101.18 to settle at Rs9,606.15 per share.

In the futures market, 330 companies were active, with 95 recording gains, 233 facing losses, and 2 remaining unchanged.

The PSX’s decline shows investors are treading cautiously after recent highs, possibly reacting to profit-taking and mixed economic signals. The rise in trading volume despite the fall in index suggests active participation but low confidence in short-term gains.