The benchmark KSE-100 Index dropped by 1,396.61 points or 0.83%, closing at 167,593.46 points.
During the trading session, key sectors witnessed a downturn, including automobile assemblers, cement, commercial banks, oil and gas exploration companies, oil marketing companies (OMCs), power generation, and refineries. Major companies such as ARL, Hubco, Mari, OGDC, PPL, POL, PSO, SSGC, SNGPL, MCB, Maple Leaf, and UBL were all seen trading in the negative zone.
In a significant development, Bloomberg reported that Pakistan has recorded the fastest decline in sovereign default risk globally and now ranks second after Türkiye.
Last week, the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) continued its strong bullish run, with the KSE-100 Index closing at a historic high of 168,990.06 points — a weekly gain of 4.1%. According to JS Global Capital, this marks the best nine-month performance since 2009, driven by sustained investor confidence, robust sectoral performance, and improving economic indicators.
On the global front, Japanese shares surged more than 4%, reaching record highs, while the yen depreciated on Monday. This development came after Sanae Takaichi — known for her dovish fiscal and monetary stance — was elected leader of Japan’s ruling party, putting her on the path to becoming the country’s first female prime minister.
