PSX Ends Flat Amid Geopolitical Tensions

News Desk
KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) experienced a volatile trading week, with the benchmark KSE-100 index closing largely flat as persistent uncertainty surrounding the US-Iran conflict kept global oil prices elevated and weighed heavily on investor sentiment.
Market activity remained subdued throughout the sessions as institutional and retail investors adopted a cautious approach in response to shifting macroeconomic indicators and unfolding geopolitical developments in the Middle East.
According to Arif Habib Ltd (AHL), the KSE-100 index concluded the week at 170,765 points, registering a marginal decline of 120 points, or 0.1 per cent, compared to the previous week’s close of 170,885 points. While early sessions were supported by momentary optimism regarding potential progress in diplomatic talks and softer crude prices, renewed geopolitical flare-ups quickly reversed those initial market gains, underlining the vulnerability of domestic equities to external commodity shocks.
Amid the broader market consolidation, the energy sector witnessed a major structural milestone.
Topline Securities reported the formal signing of long-awaited upgrade agreements by four of the nation’s five primary oil refineries—Attock Refinery Ltd, Pakistan Refinery Ltd, National Refinery Ltd, and Cnergyico PK. Analysts view these pacts as a crucial step toward modernising domestic refining capacities and ensuring long-term petroleum sector viability.
Looking ahead, market participants will closely monitor the ongoing negotiations between Pakistani authorities and the visiting International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff mission.
The discussions, aimed at securing crucial tranches under existing financial programmes, are expected to dictate the near-term trajectory of monetary policies, foreign exchange reserves, and overall investor confidence in the upcoming trading weeks.