KSE-100 ends the week on a bearish note

The Pakistan Stock Exchange closed the week on a negative note on Friday, 23 October 2026, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index falling 1,549 points to close at 162,347, according to Profit Stories reporting from Karachi on that date. The KSE-30 Index dropped 490 points to settle at 47,823. A separate market update put the KSE-100 close at 162,374.88, down 1,549.44 points or 0.95 percent, with a previous close of 163,924.32, showing only small differences between data providers on the final level.

Trading was heavy in volume terms but dominated by sellers. The market update reported 398.94 million shares traded, worth 18.20 billion rupees, with 311 companies declining, 136 advancing and 48 unchanged. The index closed close to its intraday low of 162,292.44, after an intraday high of 163,966.86, a pattern that suggests selling pressure built through the session rather than easing into the close.

Middle East tensions and the SBP decision dominate

Investors remained concerned about escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the potential impact of rising international oil prices on Pakistan's economy, which imports much of its energy. The upcoming two-day market break may also have encouraged investors to reduce exposure and book profits ahead of the weekend, rather than carry risk into an uncertain news period.

Market sentiment was further influenced by expectations around the State Bank of Pakistan's Monetary Policy Committee meeting scheduled for Monday, 26 October. Investors are watching closely for any interest rate increase and its impact on equities and business activity. The market's direction in the coming week is likely to depend on that decision, on Middle East developments and on oil prices. This article is market news, not investment advice.