April 02, 2026 (MLN): The benchmark KSE-100 Index concluded Thursday's trading session lower, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index shedding 3,500.30 points or 2.25%, reflecting broad-based selling amid weak global cues and rising geopolitical tensions.

The KSE-100 Index concluded the session at 152,011.26, having traded in a range of 2,250.20 points, with an intraday high of 152,272.63 (-3,238.93 points) and a low of 150,022.43 (-5,489.13 points).

Total volume in the KSE-100 Index stood at 202.91 million shares, showing active but cautious participation.

Of the 100 index companies, 15 advanced, 84 declined, and one remained unchanged, indicating that selling pressure dominated the session. Among the major losers, NPL (-5.82%), SEARL (-5.79%), PAEL (-5.59%), THALL (-5.56%), and PTC (-5.43%) posted the steepest declines, while the top gainers were TRG (+10.01%), IBFL (+7.37%), HCAR (+6.22%), UPFL (+4.12%), and FHAM (+3.37%).

In terms of index-point contribution, the slide was led by UBL (-374.72 points), FFC (-252.66 points), MCB (-239.47 points), HUBC (-196.59 points), and PPL (-190.94 points). Marginal support came from TRG (+59.45 points), ATRL (+21.46 points), UPFL (+16.04 points), PAKT (+10.45 points), and HCAR (+9.67 points).

Sector-wise, the KSE-100 Index was dragged lower by Commercial Banks (-1,250.40 points), Oil & Gas Exploration Companies (-444.30 points), Cement (-410.50 points), Fertilizer (-310.41 points), and Power Generation & Distribution (-234.27 points). On the upside, limited support came from Refinery (+17.21 points), Tobacco (+10.45 points), Synthetic & Rayon (+7.67 points), Modarabas (+2.98 points), and Close-End Mutual Funds (+1.37 points).

Investor sentiment remained fragile amid global uncertainty. Oil prices surged in volatile trading after Donald Trump warned of intensified military action against Iran over the next two to three weeks, dampening hopes of near-term de-escalation and keeping energy markets on edge.

At the same time, US stock futures pointed to a weaker open, with S&P 500 and Nasdaq-100 futures down more than 1% and Dow Jones futures falling 439 points, reflecting a broader risk-off mood that weighed on emerging markets including Pakistan.

In the broader market, the All-Share Index closed at 90,933.96, down 1,787.62 points or 1.93%. Total market volume was 352.27 million shares, while traded value stood at Rs19.51 billion, showing a sharp decline from the previous session. A total of 481 companies changed hands, with 99 advancing, 323 declining, and 59 unchanged, emphasizing the bearish tone across the bourse.

To note, the KSE-100 has gained 26,384 points or 21.00% during the fiscal year, whereas it has decreased 22,043 points or 12.66% so far this calendar year.

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