PSX flat as oil keeps investors cautious

The Express Tribune reported that the Pakistan Stock Exchange finished Friday with a late-session rally, yet trading stayed largely within a narrow band. The KSE-100 closed 266.28 points, or 0.16%, higher at 170,765.22 as crude prices stayed elevated and US-Iran negotiations remained uncertain. Activity was muted, with 483 million shares changing hands worth Rs19.3 billion.

PSO edged up 0.94% after Arif Habib Limited said the oil marketer posted per-share earnings of Rs32.10 for FY26, down 28% year on year. The company attributed the decline to lower sales volumes, inventory losses, higher petroleum prices and a smaller LNG contribution, with geopolitical tensions in the background. Its final payout of Rs10 per share, tied to the fourth quarter, lifts the full-year dividend to 31%.

Political events added to caution after the PTI put off a planned long march toward Islamabad, while authorities had already deployed security forces and banned public gatherings. Among index movers, HBL, UBL and Bank Alfalah gained, whereas Meezan Bank and Hubco were the main drags. Arif Habib Limited described the outlook as tilted to the downside until the index moves decisively past its July lows.