PSX: selling continues, KSE-100 down nearly 1%

Pakistan’s benchmark KSE-100 ended Friday at 162,374.87, losing 1,549.44 points, or 0.95%, as selling persisted through much of the session. After reaching 163,966.86 early on, the index fell towards 162,500, recovered briefly to about 163,400, then slipped to an intraday low of 162,292.44. Business Recorder reported that trading took place amid intensified fighting involving the world’s largest crude exporter and Yemen-based Houthis.

Arif Habib Limited research head Sana Tawfik attributed the weakness to softer global markets as oil prices rose, along with investor caution before Monday’s monetary policy decision and expectations of a rate increase. The decline followed Thursday’s 2,006.67-point, or 1.21%, drop, leaving the KSE-100 at 163,924.32 then. Asian equities also retreated on Friday, with technology-related concerns over AI funding needs contributing to weaker regional sentiment, according to the report.