PSX ends lower as widening trade deficit dents sentiment

KSE-100 sheds 419 points as macro pressures trigger profit-taking

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) witnessed a choppy session on Tuesday, with the benchmark KSE-100 index struggling to sustain early gains amid renewed macroeconomic concerns. The market opened on a positive note, briefly touching the day’s high at 169,289.20, but momentum fizzled out as the session progressed. Profit-taking in the final hours pushed the index into the red.

By the close, the KSE-100 had slipped to 167,642.28, down 419.92 points or 0.25%. The index also hit an intra-day low of 167,445.93, reflecting persistent nervousness and reactive trading behaviour.

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Investor sentiment weakened further after fresh data showed Pakistan’s trade deficit widening to $2.9 billion in November 2025, a development that weighed heavily on confidence and encouraged investors to lock in gains rather than extend exposure. With external sector pressures building, market participants remained cautious throughout the day.

In its post-market note, KTrade Securities said the PSX saw profit-taking in the second half after a strong recent rally, dragging the index lower by 419 points (-0.25%) to close at 167,642. Pressure came from Fauji Fertiliser, Hub Power, Pakistan Petroleum, Engro Corporation, Systems Limited and Oil & Gas Development Company.

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However, Lucky Cement outperformed, along with National Bank of Pakistan, Bestway Cement and Faysal Bank. Market participation remained firm, with All-Share volumes reaching 722 million. Looking ahead, KTrade noted that sentiment remains constructive, with the upcoming IMF board meeting on December 8 and the expected tranche release likely to guide direction, while regional geopolitical shifts could shape near-term momentum.

Overall, trading volume rose to 775.5 million shares compared to Monday’s 735.5 million. The value of traded shares stood at Rs37.4 billion. Shares of 479 companies were traded, of which 182 advanced, 254 declined and 43 remained unchanged. WorldCall Telecom led the volumes chart with 169 million shares traded, shedding Rs0.04 to close at Rs1.80.