PSX Weekly Wrap-Up: KSE-100 Gains 16,800 Points – The Good, The Bad & The Ugly
Published: Saturday, April 11, 2026 – 6:00 AM PKT
At a Glance – The Week in Numbers
Sources: PSX data, Topline Securities, Mettis Global
Executive Summary
The KSE-100 recorded a weekly gain of 16,800 points (+11.17%), recovering from Monday’s low of 144,650 to Friday’s close of 167,191. The primary catalyst was the US-Iran ceasefire agreement, brokered with Pakistan’s assistance, which triggered a 15% drop in crude oil prices and a subsequent short-covering rally.
Three distinct phases defined the week: initial selling pressure from geopolitical uncertainty, a sharp reversal following the ceasefire announcement, and late-week consolidation as profit-taking emerged.
Initial Session – Monday, April 6: Geopolitical Pressure Triggers Sell-off
The KSE-100 opened the week at approximately 150,400 and declined to an intraday low of 144,656, marking the index’s lowest level in recent months. The sell-off reflected continued uncertainty following US-Israel strikes on Iran and the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz.
Oil prices remained elevated as supply routes were disrupted. The Pakistani government simultaneously announced increases of Rs137 and Rs184 per liter for petrol and diesel, effectively ending the subsidy regime. These factors contributed to foreign investor outflows and a broad-based decline across most sectors.
Index Movement:
Open: ~150,400
Low: 144,656
Close: ~145,200 (estimated decline of 5,200 points)
Sector Performance (Monday):
Major Stocks (Monday):
The market’s decline was exacerbated by leveraged positions being liquidated as margin calls were triggered. Trading volumes remained below average as institutional buyers stayed on the sidelines.
Session Two – Tuesday, April 7: Early Recovery on Ceasefire Hopes
The KSE-100 gained 1,900 points (+1.29%), closing at approximately 148,743. Unconfirmed reports of potential US-Iran negotiations began circulating, prompting short sellers to begin covering positions. Crude oil prices showed initial signs of softening.
Index Movement:
Open: ~145,200
High: ~149,000
Close: 148,743
Major Stocks (Tuesday):
Trading volume increased by 18% compared to Monday, suggesting institutional participation began returning to the market. Short interest data indicated approximately 35% of short positions had been covered by the close.
Session Three – Wednesday, April 8: Ceasefire Announcement Triggers Historic Rally
The KSE-100 gained 14,138 points (+9.32%), closing at 165,811.01. The rally was triggered by the official announcement of a two-week US-Iran ceasefire, facilitated through Pakistan’s diplomatic channels involving Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir.
The KSE-30 index rose more than 5% within the first hour of trading, triggering a temporary market halt under PSX circuit breaker regulations. Trading resumed at 10:42 AM, and buying pressure continued through the session.
Index Movement:
Open: ~151,700
Intraday High: 166,962
Low: 161,993
Close: 165,811.01
Sector Performance (Wednesday):
Major Stocks (Wednesday):
Market Breadth (Wednesday):
Advancing stocks: 448
Declining stocks: 16
Upper cap hits: 130+
Crude oil futures dropped 15% following the announcement, settling at approximately $92-95 per barrel. The decline in energy prices directly benefited oil-importing sectors including power generation and cement, while exploration companies maintained positive momentum due to volume support.
Short covering accounted for an estimated 40% of the day’s buying volume, as traders with leveraged short positions were forced to cover following the 5%+ move in the KSE-30 index.
Session Four – Thursday, April 9: Profit Booking and Consolidation
The KSE-100 declined 293.50 points (-0.18%), closing at 165,517.51. The session exhibited a wide intraday range of 4,969 points, with the index reaching 166,962 at its high and 161,993 at its low.
Profit-taking was concentrated in sectors that had experienced the most significant gains on Wednesday, particularly banking and fertilizer.
Index Movement:
Open: ~165,800
Intraday High: 166,962
Intraday Low: 161,993
Close: 165,517.51
Sector Performance (Thursday):
Major Stocks (Thursday):
UBL and LUCK provided partial support to the index, contributing a cumulative 568 points and offsetting some of the selling pressure from index-heavy laggards including BAHL, MARI, HUBC, FFC, and MCB, which collectively erased 809 points from the benchmark.
Crude oil futures edged up 2.8% to $96.99 per barrel, reminding market participants that the inflationary impact of the conflict had not been fully resolved.
Session Five – Friday, April 10: Steady Recovery
The KSE-100 gained 1,673.86 points (+1.01%), closing at 167,191.37. The index touched an intraday high of 168,290.28, its highest level of the week.
Buying activity was broad-based but measured, suggesting institutional investors were accumulating positions without chasing prices.
Index Movement:
Open: ~165,500
Intraday High: 168,290.28
Close: 167,191.37
Sector Performance (Friday):
Major Stocks (Friday):
The SBP’s successful repayment of a $1.43 billion international bond on April 7 contributed to improved sentiment, signaling Pakistan’s continued compliance with foreign debt obligations. This development, combined with the ceasefire announcement, supported the KSE-100’s recovery to weekly highs..
Weekly Performance Summary – Major Stocks
Weekly Top Performers:
Lucky Cement (LUCK): ▲ +12.3%
United Bank (UBL): ▲ +11.5%
Hub Power (HUBCO): ▲ +8.8%
Fauji Fertilizer (FFC): ▲ +6.8%
Weekly Sector Performance Summary
Sources: Topline Securities, AHL Research
Technical Levels for Next Week
The KSE-100 has crossed the bullish trend resumption level at 162,000 points, confirming a shift in short-term momentum. Confirmation of a sustained uptrend requires the index to form a higher low and follow through with a higher high.
Key Catalysts for Next Week
1. US-Iran Talks Outcome
Formal negotiations between US and Iranian delegations took place in Islamabad on April 11. The outcome of these talks will determine whether the ceasefire extends beyond its two-week term. Sustained de-escalation could keep oil prices soft and support continued market momentum.
2. Crude Oil Price Direction
Oil prices have rebounded to $96.99 per barrel after dropping to $92 post-ceasefire. Further increases would pressure oil-importing sectors and potentially trigger another round of profit-taking.
3. Institutional Flows
Foreign investor selling totaled Rs. 1.79 billion during the week, while local mutual funds and banks absorbed the supply. Continued local buying would support the index at current levels.
4. Technical Confirmation
The index’s ability to hold above 161,500 and subsequently break 168,300 will determine the trajectory for the remainder of April.
Disclosure
*Data based on PSX closing figures from April 6-10, 2026. Sources: PSX, Topline Securities, Mettis Global, AHL Research, TradingView.*
🔗 Quick Links
💡 Infrastructure Note
This website is hosted on Hostinger. The platform provides:
Affiliate disclosure: Commission earned through purchases. No additional cost to buyer.