KSE-100 drops around 1,200 points amid market volatility

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) closed lower on Monday as investors sold shares to book profits after early gains. The benchmark KSE-100 Index dropped by 1,156.47 points, or 0.64%, to close at 178,414.79.

Selling was seen in major sectors, including automobile companies, cement, commercial banks, fertilizer, oil and gas exploration firms, oil marketing companies, and power generation.

Large companies such as NBP, OGDC, Mari Energies, PPL, and HUBCO ended the day with losses, putting pressure on the market.

Despite Monday’s decline, the stock market remained positive over the shortened three-day trading week. Investor confidence improved due to easing tensions in the Middle East, changes to the FY2026–27 Finance Bill, and lower fuel prices in Pakistan.

Meanwhile, international oil prices moved higher on Monday. Brent crude rose to $72.57 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude increased to $70.11 per barrel after renewed tensions between the United States and Iran raised concerns about oil supplies.