Stock Analyst, Ibrahim told APP that the profit-taking was seen in the local stock market due to closing of the year.

The punters has taken positions in the banking sector frequently, especially whenever the index got weaker and they off-loaded when it got strength, he added.

Besides, the major positions held in the banking sector by the investors were squared up owing to the closing of year for the sector, Stock Analyst said while rejecting any negative sentiments in the stock market.

Analyst further said that the turnover of the market had witnessed a rise against the earlier day's closing because of the frequent activities of buying and selling.

Total volume of shares traded was 89,500 which was up by 12,500 when compared it with previous day's closing.

Out of 140 companies' shares traded, the price of 68 was increased while the price of 72 decreased.

The price of top gainer Siemens Pakistan Engineering was increased by Rs. 17.44 while the price of top loser Unilever Pakistan decreased by Rs. 400.00.

Bank of Punjab, NIB Bank and Byco Petroleum remained volume leaders, with volume of 34,500, 23,000 and 21,000 shares respectively.