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KSE-100 Index Plunges 4,687 Points Amid Oil Price Surge and Weak Investor Sentiment
Pakistan’s KSE-100 index tumbled 4,687 points (-3.05%) on Monday, extending its losing streak to seven weeks as geopolitical tensions, rising oil prices, and cautious investor sentiment weighed heavily on the market.
ND
by News Desk
2026-03-16
KSE-100 Index Plunges 4,687 Points Amid Oil Price Surge and Weak Investor Sentiment

Pakistan’s benchmark stock market index, the KSE‑100 Index, witnessed a sharp decline on Monday, shedding 4,687.50 points to close at 149,178.66, marking a turbulent start to the trading week and extending the market’s losing momentum.

The benchmark index dropped 3.05 percent compared to its previous close of 153,866.16 points, reflecting persistent selling pressure across key sectors.

During the trading session, the market showed signs of volatility as the index briefly touched an intraday high of 153,943.69 points before sliding to a low of 148,747.72 points, highlighting the ongoing bearish sentiment among investors.

The latest decline comes after the market recorded its seventh consecutive week of losses, as uncertainty surrounding global economic conditions and geopolitical developments continued to dampen investor confidence in Pakistani equities.

Analysts at Topline Securities noted that the market remained under pressure throughout most of the session, with investors maintaining a cautious approach amid fluctuating international oil prices and broader geopolitical tensions.

The recent surge in oil prices has been largely attributed to escalating tensions in the Middle East following military actions by the United States and Israel against Iran, which resulted in the closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz—a crucial global oil shipping route.

The disruption has raised concerns about potential supply shortages and rising inflationary pressures, particularly for oil-importing economies such as Pakistan, where higher fuel costs could further strain the economy.

Trading activity during the session remained relatively subdued, indicating limited investor participation amid market uncertainty. Total traded volume stood at 298 million shares, while the overall traded value reached Rs20.8 billion.

Among the major index-heavy stocks, Fauji Fertilizer Company, United Bank Limited, Engro Holdings, Hub Power Company, and Habib Bank Limited were the biggest laggards of the day. Collectively, these companies dragged the benchmark index down by approximately 1,881 points, contributing significantly to the market’s overall decline.

Market experts believe that investor sentiment will remain cautious in the near term as global geopolitical tensions, energy price fluctuations, and domestic economic challenges continue to influence trading activity in Pakistan’s equity market.
Tagged:

PSX

PakistanEconomy

KSE100

PakistanStockMarket
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