ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) started the week under intense pressure as equities witnessed a sharp mid-morning decline on Monday. The benchmark KSE-100 index plunged 2,762 points, or 1.85 percent, to settle at 148,945.40, reflecting widespread investor caution and aggressive selling.
Meanwhile, the broader market followed a similar trajectory. The All-Share Index dropped 1,635 points, or 1.83 percent, to 89,314.98. Likewise, the KSE-30 index shed 956 points, or 2.13 percent, while the KMI-30 declined 4,530 points, or 2.10 percent. In addition, the banking index (BKTI) lost 792 points, or 1.96 percent, highlighting pressure across key sectors.
Despite the downturn, trading activity remained strong. Investors traded more than 56.4 million shares through 51,403 transactions, generating a turnover of Rs3.62 billion. However, market sentiment stayed negative as 274 stocks declined compared to just 99 gainers, while 194 remained unchanged out of 567 total listed companies.
In the automobile assembler sector, losses dominated. Indus Motor Company, Ghandhara Industries, and Sazgar Engineering recorded notable declines. Similarly, Ghandhara Automobile, Hinopak Motors, Honda Atlas Cars, and Atlas Honda posted losses. However, Millat Tractors emerged as the sole gainer, registering a modest increase amid strong trading volumes.
On the other hand, the automobile parts sector showed mixed performance. Atlas Battery and Treet Battery posted gains, supported by active trading. Conversely, Agriautos Industries, Bela Automotive, Panther Tyres, Exide Pakistan, and Ghandhara Tyre ended in the red.
Furthermore, the cement sector mirrored the overall bearish trend. Lucky Cement, D.G. Khan Cement, Fauji Cement, and Maple Leaf Cement all declined. Nevertheless, Flying Cement managed to post gains, providing limited support to the sector.
