· Range bound session was witnessed today due to the concerns over mounting international oil prices and rising Covid-19 cases. Market opened on a positive note but soon after profit taking was witnessed across the board. In the cement sector, LUCK closed in the red zone due to disappointing result as gross margin underwent a dip to 22.6% during 2QFY22 (2QFY21: 29.2%) amid higher coal prices, PKR depreciation and augmented packaging costs, coupled with volumetric decline. Main board activity remained gloomy. On the flip-side, activity continued to remain side-ways as market witnessed hefty volumes in the 3rd tier stocks.

· The Index closed at 45,077.91pts as against 45,083.04pts showing a decrease of 5.13pts (-0.01% DoD). Sectors contributing to the performance include Cement (-38.8pts), E&P (-17.8pts), Chemical (-12.6pts), OMC’S (-11.24pts) and Automobile Assembler (-3.11pts).

· Volumes increased from 173.6mn shares to 258.9mn shares (+49.2% DoD). Traded value also increased by 23.7% to reach US$ 46.0mn as against US$ 37.2mn.

· Stocks that contributed significantly to the volumes include TRG, HUMNL, UNITY, WTL and CNERGY.

Courtesy – AHL