The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) closed almost flat on Wednesday as a lack of positive triggers kept investors cautious. After a volatile session, the KSE-100 Index managed a marginal gain of 0.09 percent, settling at 188,380 points, reflecting subdued participation and selective buying across key sectors.
During the session, the benchmark index fluctuated within a narrow band, touching an intraday high of 189,183 points and a low of 188,179 points. By the close, it added just 177 points, highlighting uncertainty among market participants. According to KTrade Securities, trading remained range-bound as investors preferred to stay on the sidelines amid the absence of strong domestic or global cues.
Overall market activity stayed muted despite an increase in volumes. Total traded volume rose to 953.9 million shares compared to 749.2 million shares a day earlier, with traded value reaching Rs48.8 billion. Out of 485 traded companies, 182 closed higher, 253 declined, while 50 ended unchanged.
Oil and gas, commercial banks, and cement stocks posted modest gains, providing limited support to the index. In contrast, fertiliser and technology stocks remained largely inactive as investors avoided aggressive positioning. Profit-taking in cyclical stocks continued following the State Bank of Pakistan’s decision to maintain the policy rate, which capped upside momentum.
K-Electric led volumes with nearly 197 million shares traded, closing at Rs7.30 after gaining Rs0.26, indicating continued interest in selected low-priced stocks.
Market sentiment remains cautious as investors await clarity during the rollover week and look toward the ongoing corporate earnings season for direction. Analysts expect the PSX to remain range-bound in the near term, with company results likely to act as the primary catalyst for any meaningful movement.