KSE-100 settles flat amid late profit-taking

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) observed a volatile session on Tuesday, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index swinging both ways before settling flat.

Selling pressure was observed in the initial hours of trading, dragging the benchmark index to an intraday low of 132,696.35.

Investor sentiments improved as the session continued and the index crossed the 134,000 level, hitting an intra-day high of 134,200.27.

However, late profit taking wiped out most of the gains, and at close, the benchmark index settled at 133,403.19 level, a gain of 33.05 points or 0.02%.

“We believe the bull run can extend further—provided key IMF-backed reforms are implemented,” said NBP Funds, in its report.

“These include fiscal discipline, broadening the tax base, privatising state-owned enterprises, and phasing out subsidies. While challenging, these steps are critical for long-term macroeconomic stability and sustainable growth.”

Buying was observed in key sectors including automobile assemblers, commercial banks, cement, OMCs and power generation. Index-heavy stocks, including HUBCO, SSSGC and SNGPL traded in the green.

On Monday, PSX continued its record-breaking advance, as the market’s bullish sentiment, buoyed by strong corporate earnings expectations, receding trade-related anxieties, and improved macroeconomic indicators.

The benchmark KSE-100 Index surged by 1,421 points or 1.08% to close at an unprecedented 133,370 points.

Globally, Asian stock markets took in stride the latest twist in US President Donald Trump’s tariff roll-out on Tuesday, as the dollar held onto gains and oil retreated.

Shares on Wall Street fell after Trump sent letters to 14 countries, including Japan and South Korea, unveiling sharply higher tariffs on imports into the United States, while also postponing their implementation to August 1.

Japan’s Nikkei stock gauge opened lower but then turned positive after Trump described that deadline as “firm, but not 100% firm” and said tariffs may be adjusted for some countries.

In April, Trump capped all of the so-called reciprocal tariffs with trading partners at 10% until July 9 to allow for negotiations. Only two agreements, with Britain and Vietnam, have been reached.

In June, Washington and Beijing agreed on a framework covering tariff rates, restoring a fragile truce in their trade war.

Tariffs on Japan and South Korea are now due to go up to 25% on August 1. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba called the hike deeply regrettable and said his nation would continue negotiations with the US.

MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was up 0.2% in early trade. Japan’s Nikkei stock index rose 0.4% while South Korea’s KOSPI jumped 1.5%.