The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) saw a choppy session on Tuesday, with the benchmark KSE-100 index struggling to hold on to early gains amid renewed macroeconomic concerns. The market opened positively and briefly touched the day’s high of 169,289.20, but momentum faded as the session progressed. Profit taking in the last hours pushed the index into the red.
At the close, the KSE-100 had fallen to 167,642.28, down 419.92 points or 0.25%. The index also hit an intraday low of 167,445.93, reflecting continued nervousness and reactive trading behavior.
Read: The PSX sets a positive tone for December with a strong increase of 1,384 points
Investor sentiment weakened further after fresh data showed Pakistan’s trade deficit widening to $2.9 billion by November 2025, a development that weighed heavily on confidence and encouraged investors to lock in gains rather than widen exposure. With external sector pressure 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 of the year following a strong recent rally that dragged the index down 419 points (-0.25%) to close at 167,642. The pressure came from Fauji Fertiliser, Hub Power, Pakistan Petroleum, Engro Corporation, Systems Limited and Oil & Gas Development Company.
Read more: PSX approaches 167,000 on institutional inflows
However, Lucky Cement fared better along with National Bank of Pakistan, Bestway Cement and Faysal Bank. Market participation remained firm, with all share volumes at DKK 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 momentum in the near term.
Overall, trading volume increased to 775.5 million shares compared to Monday’s 735.5 million. The value of shares traded amounted to Rs 37.4 billion. Shares were traded in 479 companies, of which 182 rose, 254 fell and 43 remained unchanged. WorldCall Telecom led the volume chart with 169 million shares traded, falling Rs0.04 to close at Rs1.80.
