· After posting a high of 46,645 during the session (+187pts), market saw profit booking again, which brought the Index down by 347pts, closing the session -269pts (unadjusted). Cement and Banking sector stocks showed buying activity and healthy price performance, whereas selling pressure was evident in E&P, O&GMCs, Technology and Fertilizer sectors that eroded the gains earlier seen in the Index. Among Power sector, HUBC performed well in anticipation of change in the formula for resolution of circular debt. Banking sector stocks saw renewed interest, especially after Fauji Foundation’s intention to acquire SILK Bank through notification on the Exchange that also resulted in SILK posting highest trading volumes. Among scrips, SILK topped the volumes with 354.7M shares, followed by KEL (31.2M) and TRG (27.7M).

· The Index closed at 46,166pts as against 46,458pts showing a decline of 292pts (-0.6% DoD). Sectors contributing to the performance include Cement (+48pts), Engineering (+21pts), Technology (-90pts), E&P (-67pts), Fertilizer (-55pts), O&GMCs (-41pts) and Inv Banks (-36pts).

· Volumes increased from 610.9mn shares to 844mn shares (+38% DoD). Average traded value however, declined by 10% to reach US$ 163.6 mn as against 180.9mn.

· Stocks that contributed significantly to the volumes include SILK, KEL, TRG, ASL and FCCL, which formed 55% of total volumes.

· Stocks that contributed positively to the index include LUCK (+30pts), UBL (+21pts), HBL (+17pts), ISL (+15pts) and AKBL (+10pts). Stocks that contributed negatively include TRG (-61pts), FFC (-36pts), DAWH (-33pts), MCB (-29pts) and SYS (-28pts).