- Analysts say prudence prevails until the risks of climbing become clearer.
- Volatility increases after India’s unjustified response to the attack on IIOJK.
- The index reached an intrajournual hollow of 113,716.60, marking a drop of 1,303.21 points.
Friday, the actions closed on a positive note, undergoing a massive early session during an extremely erratic session, because the feeling of investors remained resilient in the midst of ongoing geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty.
The KSE-100 index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) increased by 449.53 points, or 0.39%, to settle at 115,469.34. The volume of negotiation amounted to 213.6 million shares, with a total market value of more than 20 billion rupees.
At the start of trade, the index reached a summit of 115,844.88 points, showing a brief gain of 825.07 points or 0.72% compared to the previous fence of 115,019.81. However, the momentum did not succeed, and the index then plunged to an intra -day hollow of 113,716.60, marking a drop of 1,303.21 points or -1.13%.
The independent investment and economic analyst, Aah Soomro, said: “The fear is laid out while tensions between India and Pakistan increased after attacks on Indian tourists.
“Investors would hesitate for a few weeks or until clarity is observed on the risk of climbing,” he added.
The market remains volatile after New Delhi’s response to the deadly attack in Jammu and cashmere illegally occupied on the Indians, which included the suspension of a bilateral water treaty, the reduction of diplomatic links and the taxation of travel restrictions. Pakistan retaliated by closing its airspace with Indian flights and by expelling Indian diplomats.
In addition to geopolitical strains, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) reported global protectionist policies as an increasing risk in its 2024 stability financial examination.
He warned that new American rates and a change in global trade dynamics could affect economic growth and complicate financial conditions for emerging markets such as Pakistan.
In addition, weekly SBP data has revealed a drop of $ 367 million in exchange reserves, which are now $ 10.21 billion. The central bank allocated the decrease to debt reimbursements and limited financial entrances. Total reserves, including those held by commercial banks, fell to $ 15.436 billion.
Despite the record of the account of the $ 1.2 billion account account, the country experienced a deficit of $ 97 million in February. The SBP stressed that the maintenance of recovery depends on the continuous progress of structural reforms and the construction of external stamps.
At the end of the week, the prudence of investors remains high, the markets closely monitoring diplomatic developments and signs of budgetary and monetary stability.