PSX edges up 120 points amid profit-taking

The benchmark KSE-100 closed Wednesday's session 120.30 points higher, a gain of 0.07 per cent, at 168,580.41, according to The Express Tribune. Gains made early in the session were largely wiped out by profit-taking, though a late rebound kept the index in positive territory. It had peaked at 169,271.99 during the day and dipped to a low of 168,065.87.

Sentiment was shaped by reports of possible dialogue involving the government and PTI, yet the opposition called the prime minister's offer insufficient and insisted any outreach go formally through its parliamentary leaders. Hopes of political engagement helped only briefly, as the market lost momentum during the session. Crude oil also influenced trading, with Brent climbing above $100 a barrel on Middle East supply concerns and a storm approaching oil-producing parts of the United States.

KASB KTrade's Ahmed Sheraz said oil & gas and fertiliser counters weighed on the index, while technology shares offered support. Mari Energies, Meezan Bank and Lucky Cement closed lower, whereas UBL, Systems, PSO and PTC finished higher. Total volume reached 586.9 million shares, up from 432 million on Tuesday, and Arif Habib's Ali Najib flagged oil prices and institutional flows as the points to watch.