The benchmark index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) lost 53.53 points on Thursday, a nominal negative change of 0.08 per cent to close at 65,603.09 levels.

A total of 354,153,110 shares valuing Rs14.435 billion were traded during the day as compared to 419,737,124 shares valuing Rs18.296 billion the previous day.

The market swung both ways during the session as the benchmark index plunged to an intra-day low of 65,187.69. But the market recovered its losses during the final hour of buying and the KSE-100 settled at 65,603.09 levels.

Some 354 companies transacted their shares in the stock market; 145 of them recorded gains and 187 sustained losses, whereas the share prices of 22 remained unchanged.

“Investors refrained from making big moves as concerns over a weakening rupee and escalating external debt compounded by uncertainties surrounding new International Monetary Fund (IMF) conditions rattled confidence,” said Capital Stake, a brokerage house, in a report.