PSX: KSE-100 ends volatile trading session on a positive note

The KSE-100 index settled 0.16% higher at 171,153.16 on Monday, a gain of 268.58 points, after a volatile session on the Pakistan Stock Exchange. Business Recorder reported that the benchmark first climbed to an intraday high of 171,732.62 before sliding to a session low of 170,902.75. It then recovered around midday and again in the afternoon, but eased in the final stretch.

Topline Securities linked the rebound to easing international oil prices and signs of possible de-escalation between the United States and Iran. The brokerage said cheaper oil eased concerns over inflation, the external account and overall macroeconomic stability, while diplomatic efforts improved risk appetite. LUCK, ATRL, FFC, MARI and EFERT were the main contributors, together adding about 254 points to the index.

Turnover on the all-share index climbed to 692.88 million shares from 576.26 million, while the value of shares slipped to Rs20.10 billion from Rs22.41 billion. Media Times Ltd ranked third by volume, at 70.05 million shares. Of the 494 companies that traded, 238 closed higher, 213 lower and 43 were unchanged.