PSX suffers big hit with Rs200 billion wiped off market value
File photo
File photo
KARACHI (Web Desk): The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) witnessed a steep fall as the KSE-100 Index dropped by 1,703.58 points, closing at 159,578.19 against 161,281.77 a day earlier.

The decline marked a negative change of 1.06 percent, continuing the bearish trend for another session. Trading volume fell to 860.26 million shares compared to 899.41 million shares in the previous session, while traded value also slipped to Rs34.84 billion from Rs37.31 billion.

Market capitalization shrank from Rs18.47 trillion to Rs18.27 trillion, showing investor caution amid market uncertainty. Out of 481 active companies, 158 closed higher, 278 declined, and 45 remained unchanged.

K-Electric Ltd topped the volume chart with 100.02 million shares, followed by Hascol Petroleum Ltd with 66.46 million shares and WorldCall Telecom Ltd with 45.57 million shares.

Read more: Big fall in gold rates shocks markets as global prices slide

Among major gainers, Unilever Pakistan Foods Ltd surged by Rs446.71 to settle at Rs29,200.00, while Khyber Textile Mills Ltd rose by Rs102.57 to Rs1,833.43.

On the losing side, Rafhan Maize Products Ltd slipped by Rs80.96 to close at Rs9,608.95, and Pakistan Tobacco Company Ltd declined by Rs50.33 to Rs1,540.01.

In the futures market, 186.60 million shares were traded compared to 234.46 million in the previous session. K-Electric-Nov, Bank Makramah-Nov, and Sui Southern Gas-Nov led the segment by volume.

Millat Tractors-NovB emerged as the top gainer, increasing by Rs19.38 to close at Rs538.00, while Sazgar Engineering Works-NovC dropped by Rs28.03 to end at Rs1,802.51.

Analysts say the sharp decline was triggered by profit-taking and investor anxiety over global market trends. Many traders are adopting a wait-and-see approach amid uncertainty about interest rates and policy changes. Despite the slump, experts believe the correction may open buying opportunities for long-term investors once stability returns.