KSE-100 Index drops over 1,800 points amid geopolitical tensions and cautious market sentiment.
Image:Reuters
The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) came under pressure on Monday as uncertainty over US-Iran talks and upcoming budget measures drove investor caution.
The benchmark KSE-100 Index fell sharply during trading, touching an intraday low of 172,139.66 points, down 1,823.15 points, or 1.05%, from the previous close.
At one point, the index also hit an intraday high of 174,171.64 before reversing gains and moving into negative territory.
Analysts said market sentiment remained volatile due to shifting signals from US-Iran negotiations and concerns over next week’s federal budget.
Investors are closely watching geopolitical developments in the Middle East, where stalled diplomatic progress has added pressure to global markets and pushed oil prices higher.
Domestic uncertainty ahead of budget announcements has also added to cautious trading behavior.
Despite the decline, Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves showed a slight increase, supported by recent IMF inflows and bond issuances.
Market participants are expected to remain cautious until clearer signals emerge on both external tensions and fiscal policy direction.
