KSE-100 Index Drop Shakes PSX as Selling Pressure Returns
The KSE-100 Index Drop rattled investors at the Pakistan Stock Exchange on Tuesday. The market opened strong. However, selling pressure quickly erased early gains.
By 11:15am, the benchmark stood at 172,278.79. It had lost 2,175.14 points, or 1.25%. As a result, traders saw another volatile morning. Heavy selling hit major sectors. For example, automobile assemblers, cement, and commercial banks traded lower. Oil and gas explorers, OMCs, power firms, and refineries also faced losses. Key stocks dragged the index down. These included HUBCO, Attock Refinery Limited, OGDC, Pakistan Oilfields Limited, HBL, Meezan Bank Limited, and National Bank of Pakistan. Each traded in the red.
Nepra Protects Existing Prosumers
In a key move, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority granted protection to existing prosumers. This protection will last until their seven year contracts expire.
The decision followed communication from the Power Division. Moreover, amendments were made to the Prosumer Regulations 2026. Therefore, many energy consumers welcomed the clarity.
Monday’s Heavy Sell-Off
Monday was even tougher for investors. Broad based selling pushed the index sharply lower. Consequently, market value declined significantly. The benchmark fell 5,149.79 points, or 2.87%. It closed at 174,453.94 points. Investor sentiment weakened as risk aversion increased.
Global Markets Trade Cautiously
Asian markets traded carefully due to holidays. Mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, and South Korea remained closed for Lunar New Year. Meanwhile, oil prices moved higher. Investors watched US-Iran nuclear talks in Geneva closely. In Japan, the Nikkei fell 0.5%, while Topix slipped 0.2%.
Australia’s S&P/ASX200 edged up nearly 0.5%. In addition, US futures showed mixed signals. Nasdaq futures dipped slightly, while S&P 500 futures rose 0.2%.
Bond yields also softened. The US 10-year yield slipped to 4.044%. Japan’s five-year yield fell to 1.65%. Overall, uncertainty continues to shape market direction. Investors now await stability and clearer signals in the days ahead.
