KSE-100 Index Falls 2.43% in a Week as Oil Prices and Policy Fears Weigh
The KSE-100 index fell 2.43% this week, closing at 162,374.87 points on Friday, 23 October 2026. Losses deepened in the last two…
The KSE-100 index fell 2.43% this week, closing at 162,374.87 points on Friday, 23 October 2026. Losses deepened in the last two sessions, with the index shedding 2,006.67 points on Thursday and 1,549.44 points on Friday as rising oil prices, Middle East tensions and caution before Monday’s State Bank of Pakistan policy decision hit sentiment.
KSE-100 index this week
| Session | Close | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday, 22 Oct | 163,924.32 | – 2,006.67 (– 1.21%) |
| Friday, 23 Oct | 162,374.87 | – 1,549.44 (– 0.95%) |
| Week | – 2.43% | |
Sources: Business Recorder and Express Tribune.
Why stocks fell
- Oil and Middle East tensions: fighting between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthis and US-Iran tensions pushed oil prices higher, a risk for Pakistan’s import bill.
- Policy rate fears: analysts said investors were cautious before the monetary policy decision due on Monday, 26 October, with some expecting a rate hike.
- Foreign selling: foreign investors were net sellers of Rs. 416.6 million on Friday.
Friday’s session in numbers
| Day’s range | 162,292.44 – 163,966.86 |
| Volume (all-share) | 398.94 million shares |
| Value traded | Rs. 18.20 billion |
| Advancers / decliners | 136 / 311 (48 unchanged) |
Meezan Bank, Engro Holdings, Lucky Cement, Hubco and Pakistan Petroleum together dragged the index down by about 637 points, while Fauji Fertilizer, Pakistan Services and Askari Bank were the biggest positive contributors. Meezan Bank’s fall came a day after it reported a Rs. 74.65 billion nine-month profit.
What to watch next week
The SBP’s policy decision on 26 October will set the tone. A rate increase would raise borrowing costs for businesses and consumers. Oil prices and the Pakistan-Iran situation also matter for inflation and the rupee. Read last week’s KSE-100 weekly review and the latest SBP reserves data.
This is a market report, not investment advice.
Frequently asked questions
Where did the KSE-100 index close this week?
At 162,374.87 points on 23 October 2026, down 2.43% for the week.
When is the next SBP monetary policy decision?
On Monday, 26 October 2026, according to market reports.
Featured image: AI-generated illustration, for representation only.
