Karachi: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) witnessed a notable decline in its key indices on Thursday, with the KSE100 index experiencing a drop of 2,206.33 points, closing at 115,019.82. This represents a decrease of 1.88 percent, marking a significant downturn for the market.
The KSE30 index also saw a considerable decrease, falling by 691.27 points to close at 35,328.39, which is a 1.92 percent drop. These declines have contributed to a year-to-date (YTD) change of -2.36 percent for the calendar year 2025 for the KSE100 index, while the fiscal year-to-date (FYTD) change remains positive at 46.62 percent.
In terms of market capitalization, the PSX's total value dropped by 1.67 percent, bringing the market capitalization to Rs 14,100.58 billion ($50.17 billion). Despite the downturn, the market remains above its 52-week low of Rs 9,657.12 billion.
Among the gainers, Packages Limited (PKGP) saw a notable increase of 9.73 percent, reaching a price of Rs 112.93. Other gainers included Unilever Pakistan Foods Limited (UPFL) and Pakistan Tobacco Company Limited (PAKT), with increases of 1.96 percent and 1.69 percent, respectively.
Conversely, the market witnessed significant losses in several stocks. FrieslandCampina Engro Pakistan Limited (FCEPL) experienced the largest drop at 6.13 percent, followed by losses in Kohat Cement Company Limited (KOSM) and Nishat Mills Limited (NML), which fell by 6.08 percent and 5.87 percent, respectively.
The PSX's total trading volume reached 506.70 million shares, with a total value of Rs 24.49 billion ($87.13 million). This trading activity is slightly below the 52-week average daily traded volume of 606.83 million shares.
In regional markets, mixed trends were observed. The Shanghai Stock Exchange Composite Index (SSEA) in China remained unchanged, while India's BSE Sensex (BSESN) saw a slight decline of 0.4 percent. The Jakarta Stock Exchange Composite Index (JKSE) in Indonesia and the Philippine Stock Exchange Index (PSI) both posted minor losses of 0.3 percent and 0.2 percent, respectively.
The PSX's performance reflects broader challenges within regional markets, amidst a backdrop of global economic uncertainties. Market analysts remain cautious, observing how these trends will unfold in the coming weeks.