Markets Print edition: 2026-04-27

Futures spread drops 151.44pc

Published April 27, 2026 Updated April 27, 2026 04:21am

KARACHI: Trading activity in the futures segment of the Pakistan Stock Exchange surged sharply during the last week.

However the futures spread turned negative 151.44 percent from positive 6.26 percent last week, a sharp contraction of 15,770 basis points, signalling significant dislocation in derivatives pricing and aggressive repositioning by leveraged investors.

Average daily futures turnover jumped 102.6 percent to 458.70 million shares, compared to 226.40 million shares in the previous week, reflecting heightened speculative and hedging activity amid elevated volatility in the broader market.

In value terms, average daily futures traded value rose 92.3 percent to Rs22.50 billion, up from Rs11.70 billion a week earlier, underscoring strong participation in the derivatives segment despite pressure in the cash market.

Overall, the futures segment ended the week with significantly higher activity, even as the sharp negative spread highlighted stress and volatility in short-term market positioning.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026