Islamabad, Feb 21: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) 100-Index closed the week on a bearish note, shedding 938.23 points (-0.82%) to settle at 112,800.93 points, down from 113,739.16 points in the previous session. Despite a strong start, profit-taking in the latter half of the session erased early gains, as investors locked in profits ahead of the weekend.
According to Topline Securities, initial optimism was driven by Lucky Cement (LUCK) after the company announced a 5-for-1 stock split, fueling early gains. However, selling pressure emerged as the session progressed, with investors focusing on quarterly earnings results.
The market saw a significant drop in trading volume, with 455.39 million shares changing hands, compared to 787.43 million shares in the previous session. The total value of traded shares stood at Rs. 21.52 billion, down from Rs. 33.09 billion a day earlier.
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Out of 451 companies that traded on Friday, 173 advanced, 219 declined, while 59 remained unchanged.The most actively traded stocks included Pak International Bulk (35.41 million shares, closing at Rs. 8.71), K-Electric Limited (24.73 million shares, at Rs. 4.67), and Ghani Global Glass (19.83 million shares, at Rs. 9.15).
On the gainers’ side, Nestlé Pakistan Limited saw the highest increase of Rs. 48.71 per share, closing at Rs. 7,345.84, followed by Supernet Technologies Limited, which gained Rs. 43.75 to reach Rs. 839.36.
Conversely, Unilever Pakistan Foods Limited posted the biggest decline, dropping Rs. 215.00 per share to Rs. 22,900.00, while Rafhan Maize Products Company Limited followed with a Rs. 147.67 loss, settling at Rs. 9,394.33.
The PSX’s performance for the week remained relatively flat, posting a 0.63% gain overall, as investors closely monitored corporate earnings reports and macroeconomic indicators. The upcoming sessions are expected to be driven by earnings announcements, market liquidity, and economic cues, with investors looking for clarity on future market direction.
