· The PSX began the week with a range-bound session today. The benchmark KSE-100 index opened after the budget weekend with mixed sentiments regarding the new policies announced in the fiscal budget. Investor activity remained sluggish for most of the day while the 3rd tier scrips led the volume board.

· The index closed at 41,782.92 down by 121.28pts (-0.29% DoD). Sectors contributing to the performance include Commercial Banks (-94.8pts), E&P’s (-76.3pts), Inv. Banks / Inv. Cos. / Securities Cos. (-25.6pts), Textile Composite (-24.5pts) and Fertilizer (-23.6pts).

· Volumes increased from 164.8mn shares to 179.1mn shares (+8.7% DoD). The average traded value increased 6.3% to USD 19.3mn against USD 18.1mn.

· Stocks that contributed significantly to the volumes are HASCOL, TPLP, PRL, BOP and WAVES.

Courtesy – AHL