The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) witnessed a volatile trading session on Tuesday as the benchmark KSE-100 Index reversed strong early gains amid investor caution over the ongoing US-Iran conflict and uncertainty surrounding global oil prices.
The KSE-100 Index opened on a positive note and surged 824 points to reach its intraday high. However, selling pressure later emerged, wiping out the gains and pushing the index to an intraday low of around 600 points.
At the close, the KSE-100 Index settled at 176,466 points, recording a decline of 508 points, or 0.29%.
The refinery sector remained one of the key highlights of the session, with trading volumes increasing significantly across major refinery stocks.
Investor interest was driven by expectations that five refineries could sign long-awaited upgradation agreements this week. The development triggered fresh buying interest and made refinery stocks a major theme during the session.
Several major stocks supported the benchmark during the session. SYS, ENGROH, EFERT, OGDC, and AGP collectively contributed around 359 points to the KSE-100 Index.
On the other hand, selling pressure in MEBL, MCB, BAFL, and LUCK weighed on market performance. These stocks collectively dragged the index down by approximately 294 points.
Market activity remained robust, with investors trading approximately 784 million shares during the session.
The total traded value stood at around PKR 37.4 billion, reflecting continued investor participation despite heightened market volatility.
CNERGY remained the volume leader, with approximately 191 million shares changing hands.
The session highlighted continued sensitivity in Pakistan’s equity market to geopolitical developments, oil price movements, and expectations surrounding reforms in key sectors such as refining.
