Friday, the capital market slipped into a negative territory when it underwent renewed sales pressure, taking the momentum of the robust rally on Thursday.
The feeling of the market has remained cautious in the midst of global economic uncertainty and continuous concerns concerning the evolution of trade policies and internal budgetary challenges.
The KSE -100 index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) affected an intraday summit of 115,937.38 points, down 251.83 points, or -0.22% compared to the previous fence of 116,189.21. The hollow of the session was recorded at 114,701.32 points, reflecting a clear drop of 1,487.89 points or -1.28%.
“The Pakistani equity market has shown significant volatility in recent commercial sessions, characterized by strong fluctuations, including today’s decline. This turbulence is widely attributed to anxieties surrounding the dynamics of global trade, “said Amreen Soorani, research manager in Al Meezan Investment.
“While the 90 -day break on American prices offers a temporary stay, market players remain vigilant. The trajectory of the IMF program, developments around the federal budget and international prices for volatile raw materials are ready to be critical determinants of the market feelings, “she added.
Ahsan Mehanti, analyst at ARIF HABIB CORP, highlighted the main bear drivers behind the first losses on Friday. “Actions are under pressure on Bearish global actions and a collapse of world crude oil prices in the midst of fears of the result of the American-Chinese trade war. The instability of the roupie and a 9% drop in annual shift in cement sales for March 2025 played a catalyst role. ”
A report published by the Islamabad-based reflection group, Tabadlab, has planned Pakistan could undergo a loss of export estimated at $ 564 million during the financial year 20125-26 due to new steep prices imposed by the United States. The Trump administration had previously announced a 29% tariff on Pakistani exports, although a 90 -day break has since been announced.
In the midst of this uncertainty, a high -level Pakistani delegation is preparing to go to Washington to renegotiate commercial terms. The government had confirmed the delegation visit before Trump announced the temporary suspension of tariff measures.
At the national level, the Federal Board of Return (FBR) is preparing for critical discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), with a technical mission which should arrive in Islamabad on April 14. The two parties should explore proposals to expand the tax base, in particular by providing unrivaled sectors and higher pension charges in the net tax, while the government’s eyes for the salaried class.
Thursday, the KSE-100 index had rebounded, increasing 2,036.05 points or 1.78% to end at 116,189.21, stimulated by a global rally triggered by Trump’s break on prices. The top of the day reached 117,484.17, while the bottom was held at 116,130.9.
Analysts warn that volatility is likely to persist in upcoming sessions, investors closely looking at IMF talks, budgetary proposals and new developments on global trade.