On March 21, 2025, the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) concluded a six-day winning streak, with the KSE-100 index falling by 327.60 points (0.28%) to close at 118,442.18. This downturn followed the government’s decision to raise profit rates on National Savings Schemes (NSS), aligning with the Monetary Policy Committee’s (MPC) choice to maintain the current policy rate.
Additional factors contributing to the market’s decline included a weakening rupee, economic uncertainties, and a 1.8% contraction in large-scale manufacturing (LSM) during the first seven months of FY25. Concerns over pending International Monetary Fund (IMF) approval for industrial power tariff relief further dampened investor sentiment.
Despite reaching an intraday high of 119,406 points, profit-taking led to a pullback. Major decliners included Fauji Fertiliser Company (-1.09%), Hubco (-1.5%), and Lucky Cement (-1.4%). Conversely, Systems Limited (+2.34%), Nishat Mills (+10%), and Interloop Limited (+6.87%) posted gains.
Trading volume decreased to 369.1 million shares from the previous day’s 667.9 million, with a total traded value of Rs 23.3 billion. Cnergyico PK led in volume with 49.1 million shares traded, closing at Rs 7.98. Pakistan Refinery and Fauji Foods followed, with 27.4 million and 26.4 million shares traded, respectively.
