Mixed sentiment prevailed at Lahore Stock Exchange on Friday where equities moved both ways, ending in negative zone, amid increased turnover. The LSE-25 index was marginally down by 3.88 points, ending at 3122.96 points against 3126.84 points of Thursday, while volume improved to 1.756 million shares as compared to 1.331 million shares.
The market opened on a depressed note and remained volatile during first trading session. In the second session, following buying interest in Pakistan Oilfields, Attock Refinery, PSO, Adamjee Insurance, Lucky Cement, Treet Corporation, Nishat Mills, DG Khan Cement, Engro Polymer and Chemical and Javed Omer Vohra, the market stayed in bullish zone.
However, Fauji Fertiliser, Fauji Fertiliser Bin Qasim, Fatima Fertiliser, National Bank, Arif Habib Corporation remained under pressure and pushed the index down. The advancing stocks were ahead of declining ones. Out of 84 active issues, 25 companies posted gains and 5 went down, while 54 stayed unchanged.
Pakistan Oilfields improved by Rs 14.90, Attock Refinery appreciated by Rs 4.03, PSO gained Rs 2.98, Adamjee Insurance was up by Rs 2.44, and Lucky Cement gained Rs 2.25. Fauji Fertiliser declined by Rs 2.07, National Bank lost 36 paisa, Fatima Fertiliser was down 25 paisa, and Arif Habib Corp lost 15 paisa. Bank of Punjab was the market leader whose 325,635 shares changed hands, followed by Javed Omer Vohra with 302,554 shares.