The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) suffered losses for the third consecutive session on Monday, with the benchmark index dropping 2,025 points to settle at 182,384, following a record-setting five-day rally that had pushed it above 187,000 points.
Read More: PSX sheds 2,025 points to close at 182,384 points
Investors were observed offloading positions to lock in gains after the market advanced nearly 3 per cent week-on-week, leading to broad-based profit-taking. Topline Securities Ltd reported a slowdown in trading activity as local funds reduced buying interest, while market participation edged slightly higher, with total volume rising 2.41 per cent to 105 billion shares. However, the traded value fell 8.75 per cent to Rs48.2 billion. Fauji Fertiliser led the volume chart with 65.6 million shares traded.
The session saw System Ltd, United Bank, Meezan Bank, Engro Holdings, and Fauji Fertiliser together contributing 782 points to the index decline. Analysts noted that the pullback appeared to be a healthy consolidation after a sharp upward movement, rather than a fundamental shift in market sentiment.
Ali Najib, Deputy Head of Trading at Arif Habib Ltd, said geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, kept investors cautious and risk-averse throughout the session.
On the corporate front, Nishat Chunian Power Ltd and Nishat Power Ltd hit their upper trading limits after NexGen Auto, a Nishat Group subsidiary, launched the Jaecoo J5 HEV in Pakistan over the weekend at competitive pricing, undercutting rival models.
Read More: PSX sheds 1,133 points to close at 184,410
Market experts believe the PSX may consolidate within the 180,000–187,000 range in the coming sessions amid geopolitical uncertainty. They advise investors to view any pullback as an opportunity to strengthen positions, given that the market remains fundamentally well-supported.