Pakistan Market Wrap: KSE-100Dips as Investors Lock Profits Amid Global Tensions – By HMFS Research
Feb 19 2026
HMFS Research
- The KSE-100 index endured intense selling pressure today as investors aggressively moved to lock in gains, resulting in a sharp and broad-based correction across the equity market. The benchmark plunged to an intra-day low of 7,206 points, with heavyweights from the fertilizer, banking, and E&P sectors leading the downturn. Escalating geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran dampened investor sentiment, triggering widespread profit-taking and amplifying volatility. By the close of the session, the index settled at 172,170, marking a record decline of 6,683 points (down 3.74%) from the previous day’s close.
- Trading activity remained relatively moderate, with volumes recorded at 229mn shares on the KSE-100 index and 540mn shares in the overall market. The day’s volume leaders included WTL (84mn), KEL (62mn), and TSBLR1 (46mn). Going forward, market direction is likely to remain contingent upon geopolitical developments and evolving domestic economic indicators. Additionally, forthcoming result announcements from blue-chip companies could provide selective support to the benchmark. In this environment, investors are advised to remain vigilant, carefully assess market dynamics, and focus on fundamentally strong stocks offering sustainable long-term growth potential.
