The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) remained range-bound on Tuesday, with the benchmark KSE-100 index declining 339.60 points, or 0.20 per cent, to close at 170,425.62 points, according to Topline Securities Ltd.
The index moved between an intraday high of 171,126.52 points and a low of 170,120.50 points during the session.
Market sentiment remained cautious amid renewed geopolitical uncertainty and rising international oil prices. Brent crude climbed above $106 per barrel, raising concerns over inflationary pressures and Pakistan’s external account.
TRG Pakistan Ltd, Fauji Fertiliser, Oil and Gas Development Company, Attock Refinery and Hub Power were among the major contributors, collectively adding around 265 points to the index.
On the other hand, United Bank, Habib Bank and Lucky Cement emerged as the leading drags, together pulling approximately 235 points from the benchmark.
Ali Najib, Deputy Head of Trading at Arif Habib Ltd, said investor sentiment remained fragile as geopolitical developments prompted investors to adopt a cautious approach.
He noted that market participants remained concerned following reports that US President Donald Trump had rejected an Iranian ceasefire proposal concerning the Strait of Hormuz and declined to comment on possible military action after the US midterm elections.
Trading activity also weakened during the session. Volume fell 12.78 per cent to 421 million shares, while the total traded value declined 8.02 per cent to Rs17.7 billion.
Cnergyico PK remained the most actively traded stock, with 61.5 million shares changing hands.
Analysts expect the market to remain volatile, with investor activity likely to depend on developments in geopolitical tensions and international oil prices. Elevated energy costs, external-sector pressures and progress on the ongoing International Monetary Fund (IMF) review are expected to remain key factors influencing market sentiment.
