KARACHI:
The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) witnessed profit-taking on Friday as investors booked gains following a strong rally earlier in the week, pulling the benchmark KSE-100 Index down 1,493 points (-0.85% DoD) to close at 173,887. Selling pressure remained broad-based amid persistent economic and geopolitical uncertainties, while rising international oil prices and a widening trade deficit added to investor concerns.
The market opened on a subdued note as investors resorted to profit-taking following recent gains, while persistent economic and geopolitical uncertainties kept sentiment cautious. Selling pressure remained broad-based throughout the session, resulting in a decline in the benchmark index, said Deputy Head of Trading at Arif Habib Ltd Ali Najib.
On the macroeconomic front, according to PBS, Pakistan recorded a trade deficit of $3.9 billion in October 2026. Exports stood at $2.9 billion, up 2.8% YoY and 0.2% MoM. Meanwhile, imports increased to $6.8 billion, reflecting growth of 11.8% YoY and 5.7% MoM, highlighting continued pressure from the import bill and external trade imbalance due to increase international oil prices.
Read: PSX extends rally, reclaims 175,000 mark
From the index contribution perspective, UBL, LUCK, ENGROH, FFC, PPL, OGDC, MEBL, SYS, NBP and PSO were the major laggards, collectively eroding approximately 966 points from the benchmark index. Market activity remained robust, with trading volume reaching 1.47 billion shares and total traded value amounting to Rs22.5 billion. APLR1 led the volume chart with 687 million shares traded.
The KSE-100 Index ended the week on a positive note, gaining 7,477 points (+4.49% WoW) to close at 173,887. During the week, the benchmark traded between an intra-week high of 176,604 and a low of 165,585, reflecting a strong recovery in investor sentiment following the United States midterm election outcome and growing optimism over potential de-escalation on the geopolitical front.
Going forward, the market may sustain its positive momentum amid improving geopolitical sentiment and easing oil prices. However, profit-taking near recent highs, economic uncertainties and evolving global developments may keep trading volatile, with selective buying preferred.
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