PSX Closing Bell: A Nudge in Green

According to Mettis Global, the benchmark KSE-100 ended Wednesday's session at 168,580.40, a gain of 120.30 points or 0.07%. Investors made selective purchases in technology, banking and oil marketing shares, but the market stayed volatile as buyers weighed fresh positions against profit-taking in heavyweight sectors.

Gains in UBL, SYS, PSO, PTC and KEL supported the index, while weakness in exploration, fertiliser and cement stocks limited the upside. KEL led the gainers with an 8.05% rise, whereas SSOM was the biggest loser, falling 6.72%. The index moved within a 1,206.12-point range, peaking at 169,271.98 during the day before dipping to 168,065.86.

Volume climbed to 244.16m shares, with 56 index companies closing higher and 43 lower. The All-Share Index finished at 101,946.18, up 0.19%, while traded value rose by Rs2.23 billion to Rs22.37 billion. Over the fiscal year the KSE-100 has shed 11,721 points, or 6.50%, and 5,474 points, or 3.14%, so far this calendar year.