PSX gains 266 points in range-bound session

During the trading hours, the benchmark index traded in both directions before ending on a flattish note ahead of the weekend, noted Ali Najib, Deputy Head of Trading at Arif Habib Ltd. The KSE-100 Index touched an intraday high of 171,160 (+661 points; +0.39%) and an intraday low of 169,891 (-608 points; -0.36%), reflecting cautious investor participation amid prevailing uncertainties.

Investor sentiment remained cautious due to uncertainty on the geopolitical front. According to. Reuters, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan are expected to hold an urgent, high-level meeting under their joint defence pact to discuss measures to support the Kingdom amid attacks by Yemen’s Houthis, while Tehran sought to distance itself from the rapid advance of its Houthi allies.

Meanwhile, PTI has decided to delay its long march to Islamabad, following the deployment of thousands of security personnel, road blockades and restrictions on public gatherings. Also Read:PTI postpones Islamabad march to October 4: party sources.

On the corporate front, PSO PA (+0.94%) reported FY26 EPS of Rs32.10/share, down 28% YoY, primarily due to lower sales volumes, higher inventory losses, elevated petroleum prices and a weaker contribution from the LNG segment amid geopolitical tensions. The company also announced a final cash dividend of Rs10/share in 4QFY26, taking its FY26 payout ratio to 31%.

On the index contribution front, HBL, UBL, BAFL, BAHL and PSO collectively added 207 points, while MEBL, FFC, HUBC, PTC and CNERGY dragged the index by 151 points. Market activity remained subdued, with 481.6 million shares changing hands, while total traded value stood at Rs19.2billion.

CNERGY remained the volume leader, with 108.2 million shares traded during the session. The KSE-100 Index ended the week on a flattish note, declining 119 points (-0.07% WoW) to close at 170,765. During the week, the index traded between an intraday high of 172,762 and a low of 169,891, reflecting range-bound activity amid selective profit-taking.

Going forward, market sentiment is expected to remain volatile, with selective buying likely if geopolitical tensions continue to ease and oil prices trend lower. However, elevated energy prices, external-sector risks, and the upcoming IMF review will remain key factors influencing market direction.