The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) closed modestly lower on Friday as investors opted for profit-taking at the end of a robust week, with the benchmark KSE-100 index settling at 145,383, down 264 points, or 0.18%.
The market’s consolidation around the 145,000 level came as the State Bank of Pakistan reported a $72 million drop in foreign exchange reserves to $14.23 billion for the week ended Aug 1 – the third consecutive weekly decline, attributed to external debt repayments, said Arif Habib Ltd Deputy Head of Trading Ali Najib.
Caution prevailed amid rising government bond yields, fresh trade data and monetary policy signals, prompting selective profit-booking. Heavyweights such as Engro Fertilisers, Lucky Cement, Systems Limited, Mari Petroleum and Hubco collectively shaved 399 points off the index, while renewed buying in Engro Holdings, Fauji Fertiliser Company, Oil and Gas Development Company and MCB Bank added 426 points.
Market Snapshot – August 8, 2025
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— PSX (@pakstockexgltd) August 8, 2025
Trading volumes held steady at 548 million shares while traded value stood at Rs45.5 billion. Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) led the activity with 22 million shares changing hands.
Despite Friday’s dip, the KSE-100 extended its winning streak for a seventh straight week, surging 4,348 points, or 3.08%. The index opened the week at 141,963 points, touched intra-day high of 146,813 and low of 141,441 before closing at 145,383.
Analysts expect some consolidation or a mild correction in the coming sessions, where 145,000 is seen as the first support level, followed by 143,000. Resistance remains at the 150,000 psychological mark.
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