PSX closes volatile week at record 158,037 points

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) capped off the week with a volatile session on Friday, as the benchmark KSE-100 index whipsawed between sharp gains and losses before settling just above the 158,000 mark, its highest-ever closing level.

The index closed at 158,037 points, up 84 points, or 0.05%, after a roller-coaster ride. Morning trade remained range-bound, but the afternoon session saw heightened activity, pushing the index to an intra-day high of 159,337 points (+1,384) before sliding to a low of 157,522 (-432 points), according to Ali Najib, Deputy Head of Trading at Arif Habib Ltd.

On the macroeconomic front, the current account deficit widened to $245 million in August 2025, compared to $82 million in the same month last year. For the first two months of FY26, the deficit stood at $624 million versus $430 million in the year-ago period, raising concerns over external sector pressures.

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Sector performance remained mixed. Hubco, OGDC, The Bank of Punjab, Systems Ltd, and PSO collectively added 663 points, while UBL, Engro Holdings, HBL, Fauji Fertiliser Company, and Mari Petroleum dragged the index down by 476 points on profit-taking.

Trading activity stayed robust, with over 2 billion shares worth Rs69.2 billion changing hands. Cnergyico led the volumes with 170.2 million shares, dominating the day’s turnover.

For the week, the KSE-100 surged 3,598 points, or 2.33%. The benchmark opened at 154,612 points, touched a low of 154,486, and soared to a record intraday peak of 159,337 before closing at 158,037, marking a historic weekly close above the 158,000 milestone.

Analysts said the market is now trading above its 155,000–158,000 consolidation range, and a decisive breakout could pave the way for new record highs in the coming sessions.