PSX ends lower as profit-taking erases early rally

KSE-100 settles at 177,692 after volatile session; K-Electric leads volume with 83.5m shares traded

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) ended lower on Tuesday as investors resorted to profit-taking after an early rally pushed the benchmark KSE-100 Index above the 179,000-point level. The index then settled at 177,692.92 points, down 778.95 points, or 0.44%, from the previous close.

The market had opened on a positive note, with buying interest witnessed across key sectors including cement, commercial banks, oil. gas exploration companies, oil marketing companies (OMCs), and power generation stocks. The bullish momentum helped the benchmark index climb to an intra-day high of 179,405.56 points.

However. the rally proved short-lived as selling pressure emerged in the latter half of trading, dragging the market into negative territory. Profit-taking in heavyweight stocks accelerated toward the close, wiping out the day's gains.

The market remained highly volatile throughout the session, with the index moving within a wide range of 1,731 points between its intra-day high. low of 177,674.37 points.

Read:PSX ends lower after volatile session

Market participants attributed the decline to profit-booking after the index's recent strong performance, while investors remained cautious ahead of upcoming economic. fiscal developments. Despite the downturn, trading activity remained healthy as investors continued to reposition their portfolios across key sectors.

Sentiment also remained cautious as regional geopolitical tensions continued to influence global markets, particularly amid concerns over energy price volatility. At the domestic level, investors were closely assessing the recently approved Finance Bill 2026, which introduced revised tax slabs for salaried individuals. significant adjustments in import duties on vehicles and EV taxation.

While the measures are expected to broaden the tax base. rationalise tariffs, market participants are still evaluating their sector-wise impact.

Cumulatively. trading volume decreased to 765.1 million shares from Monday's total of 807.4 million while the value of traded shares stood at Rs35.4 billion. In the ready market, shares of 493 companies were traded, of which 146 stocks closed higher, 308 fell. 39 remained unchanged.

K-Electric was the volume leader with trading in 83.5 million shares, gaining Rs0.22 to close at Rs8.42.

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