Pakistan Market Wrap: KSE-100 Ends Year Lower Despite Historic Intra-Day High – By HMFS Research
Dec 31 2025
HMFS Research
- The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) closed the final session of the year on a softer note, capping off a volatile trading day marked by early optimism and subsequent profit-taking. The benchmark KSE-100 Index opened firmly and surged to an intraday high of 175,232.90, crossing the 175,000 level for the first time in history. However, the rally proved short-lived as investors moved swiftly to lock in gains, particularly following the strong year-end performance. Selling pressure emerged soon after the opening surge and intensified through the late morning session, dragging the index to an intraday low of 173,564. At close, the KSE-100 Index settled at 174,054, down 418 points on a day-on-day basis. Despite the index decline, market activity remained steady. Volumes stood at 414mn shares on the benchmark index, while 955mn shares were traded on the broader All-Share index, underscoring sustained investor participation.
- Among individual names, KEL (96mn shares), PIAHCLA (62mn), and PIBTL (48mn) led the activity chart. Going forward, near-term market direction is likely to remain range-bound and selective, as investors reassess valuations following the sharp rally seen over recent weeks. With key macro triggers largely priced in, incremental upside may now hinge on earnings visibility, sector specific developments, and clarity on policy continuity into the new year. From an investment standpoint, we advise investors to avoid chasing momentum at elevated levels and instead use volatility-driven pullbacks to accumulate fundamentally strong stocks with earnings resilience and balance sheet strength.
