PSX down 481 points on low trading volume

The Express Tribune reported that the Pakistan Stock Exchange closed Friday's session in negative territory, with the KSE-100 index settling at 168,155. The benchmark slid 481 points, or 0.29 per cent, amid thin trading and hesitant participation. A total of 147 million shares changed hands, and analyst Ahmed Sheraz of KASB KTrade said the index remained volatile.

Selling was heaviest in commercial banks, technology, cement and some fertiliser counters, while oil and gas stocks offered partial support. SYS, MEBL, LUCK, NBP and HBL weighed on the index, whereas UBL, MARI and OGDC helped cushion the decline. Traded volume was led by KEL, PIBTL and CNERGY.

Market participants are weighing domestic political talks involving the government and opposition camps, alongside tensions between the United States and Iran and risks tied to the Strait of Hormuz. Both developments bear on oil supply and prices, which are central to near-term sentiment. Sheraz anticipates continued volatility, with oil prices, geopolitical events and political talks shaping the short-term outlook.