PSX extends decline as KSE-100 drops over 1,260 points

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) remained under pressure on Friday, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index extending

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) remained under pressure on Friday, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index extending its recent losing streak during the morning trading session as investor sentiment stayed weak.

By the time trading was suspended for the routine Friday prayer break, the KSE-100 Index had fallen 1,264.14 points, or 0.74%, to 170,475.30.

The market opened in negative territory and continued to fluctuate throughout the session. The index reached an intraday high of 171,208.55 before declining to a low of 169,512.88, reflecting persistent selling pressure across the market.

Trading activity remained moderate, with more than 114 million shares changing hands during the morning session. The total value of traded shares stood at approximately Rs7.83 billion before the temporary suspension.

Market participants said investors remained cautious as profit-taking continued in several heavyweight stocks. The absence of strong buying interest also contributed to the downward trend, keeping the benchmark index below its previous closing level.

The market moved within a wide range of nearly 1,700 points during the session, highlighting continued volatility as investors assessed economic conditions and overall market sentiment.

Analysts said investors are closely monitoring developments that could influence market direction, including corporate earnings, economic indicators and broader financial conditions. They added that confidence has remained subdued in recent sessions, resulting in increased selling activity.

Trading is expected to resume after the Friday prayer break, with investors watching for signs of a recovery. Market experts believe the direction of the afternoon session will determine whether the benchmark index can recover some of its losses or end the week on another negative note.