Pakistan Market Wrap: Cautious Optimism Dampened by Geopolitical Disruptions – By HMFS Research
Oct 30 2025
HMFS Research
- The KSE-100 index continued its recent volatile trajectory, opening the session on a bullish note as investors engaged in value buying across fundamentally strong yet undervalued scrips. The benchmark surged by 1,042 points in early trading, reflecting short-lived optimism. However, sentiment soon turned cautious as reports of escalating geopolitical tensions and the U.S. decision to reduce tariffs on Chinese goods to 47% weighed on market confidence. The development is expected to indirectly impact Pakistan’s export competitiveness in the U.S. market, prompting a wave of profit-taking and risk aversion among investors. Consequently, the index plunged by 2,137 points intraday before partially recovering to close at 156,733 points, down 1,732 points from the previous close.
- Trading activity remained moderate, with 378mn shares exchanged on the KSE100 index and 847mn shares traded across the broader market. BOP (84mn), WTL (50mn), and KEL (48mn) emerged as the volume leaders for the day. Looking ahead, market direction will hinge on macroeconomic and geopolitical developments. A de-escalation in border tensions could trigger a buying resurgence, while ongoing economic improvements are likely to lend stability in the near term. As the rollover week concludes and a new month commences, improved liquidity and sentiment could provide upward momentum on the bourse. Investors are advised to exercise vigilance, remain selective, and focus on fundamentally robust stocks with strong long-term growth prospects.
