Pakistan Stock Exchange slides as KSE-100 index drops 1,580 points

The benchmark KSE-100 Index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange fell 1,580.90 points, a 0.89% decline, closing at 176,042.99. Trading volume in the ready market dropped to 574.076 million shares, down from 958.014 million the previous day, and the traded value fell to Rs25.369 billion from Rs41.566 billion. Market capitalisation decreased to Rs19.778 trillion, compared with Rs19.951 trillion a day earlier. Out of 495 listed companies, 129 posted gains, 330 losses and 36 were unchanged. Cnergyico PK led the volume chart with 58.656 million shares, followed by Siddiqsons Tin and WorldCall Telecom. Among gainers, Unilever Pakistan Foods Limited surged by Rs177.08 to close at Rs25,480.00, while Khyber Textile Mills rose Rs90.12. PIA Holding Company Limited recorded the biggest drop, down Rs495.32 to Rs17,674.68, and Khairpur Sugar Mills fell Rs133.71. In the futures (DFC) market, turnover was 400.821 million shares worth Rs18.079 billion, with 37 companies advancing, 266 declining and one unchanged.