The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) closed lower on Friday, as investors remained cautious amid delays in finalizing the IMF staff-level agreement and growing regional uncertainty.
The benchmark KSE-100 Index fell by 1,433 points, or 0.87%, to finish at 163,089 points. The index stayed under pressure for most of the trading session, briefly dipping below the 163,000 mark before recovering slightly near the close.
Market analysts noted that the delay in IMF-related clarity has led to a cautious investment environment, while external and domestic challenges continue to affect sentiment. Selling pressure was most visible in heavyweight sectors, including banking, fertilizer, and technology.
Key laggards included Engro Corporation, MCB Bank, Habib Bank, Engro Fertilizer, and Systems Limited, which together accounted for a major portion of the index’s decline.
Trading activity also cooled down, with total share volume standing at 1.39 billion shares and overall turnover recorded at Rs 47.7 billion. K-Electric remained the most traded stock of the day with nearly 200 million shares changing hands.
Since touching its record high of 169,988 points on October 3, the benchmark index has shed nearly 6,900 points, reflecting cautious sentiment among investors. Analysts expect support levels near 160,000–162,000 points, while resistance is seen around 167,000 points in the short term.
Meanwhile, K-Electric announced the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) — one regarding share transfer from KES Power, and another for a strategic partnership with Trident Energy.
Overall, the PSX’s decline reflects investor caution as the market awaits progress on IMF talks and greater economic stability in the weeks ahead.
