Pakistan’s benchmark KSE-100 index declined 2.4 per cent week-on-week, losing 4,045 points to close at 162,375 amid rising oil prices and escalating geopolitical tensions.
AKD Securities attributed the market volatility to continued Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and reports suggesting a possible US strike on Iran following the midterm elections.
International oil prices also increased during the week, with Brent crude climbing 6.4 per cent to $114.90 per barrel by Friday. The surge raised concerns about imported inflation and its potential impact on Pakistan’s economic outlook.
According to Arif Habib Limited (AHL), heavy selling across several key sectors further weakened investor sentiment and dragged down the benchmark index.
The banking sector recorded the largest negative contribution, subtracting 925 points from the index. Technology stocks followed with a decline of 512 points, while investment banks shed 507 points. Cement stocks contributed a negative 459 points, and power-sector shares reduced the index by another 266 points.
The broad-based decline reflected investor concerns over regional instability, higher energy costs and the potential economic consequences of sustained increases in international oil prices.
