KARACHI: The sudden drastic measures in the US trade policy and the increase in tariffs proved to be an earthquake for the stock markets around the world, the tremors of which also reached the Pakistan Stock Exchange, and the market continued to suffer the worst decline in history. On the very first day of the business week, the Pakistan Stock Exchange saw an unprecedented downturn, which put investors under severe pressure.
The 100 index, which closed at 118,751 points last week, began trading on Monday with a decrease of 3,000 points. In the first one and a half hours, the index fell by 5%, or 6,887 points, and trading was stopped for an hour.
After the break, when the market opened, the decline intensified, and at one time the 100 index reached a record low with a decrease of 8,687 points, which was a new negative record in the history of the country’s stock market. However, there was a slight improvement in the closing moments of trading, and the market closed at 114,909 points, down 3,882 points.
Market experts say markets around the world have come under the influence of fears of a global recession caused by the increase in U.S. tariffs. The positive trend of the Pakistani stock market also appeared helpless in the face of the same global concerns. According to experts, the stability and improvement of the market in the future depend on the clarity of US policy and the end of concerns, and currently investors are closely monitoring the global situation.