PSX: KSE-100 slips lower, sheds over 350 points after early gains fade

According to Business Recorder, the KSE-100 index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange closed Friday's session down 352.63 points, or 0.21%, at 167,089.27. It opened near the top of the day's range and reached an intraday high of 168,134.12, but selling pressure steadily pushed the index down during the morning.

Weakness deepened toward midday, and a sharp afternoon fall took the index to an intraday low of 166,837.72. A later rebound lifted it near 167,300 points, yet the gains did not last until the close.

The session followed a weaker Thursday, when a surge in global crude prices tied to Middle East risks prompted profit-taking and pushed the KSE-100 down 1,138.50 points, or 0.68%, to 167,441.91. Abroad, Asian shares were headed for a second consecutive weekly loss, with Brent crude at $103.70 a barrel and investors concerned about energy costs, bond market turmoil and the large sums needed for AI investment.