Pakistan Stock Exchange Reports Minor Declines in Major Indices on March 22, 2024

Islamabad, The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSE) observed a slight downturn in its major indices on March 22, 2024, amidst active trading. The market data reveals a nuanced day with specific indices showing minor declines while others recorded minimal gains.

The total number of listed companies stands at 524, with a listed paid-up capital of 1,672,014 million. The overall market capitalization was reported at 9,170,943,672,630, with a traded volume of 208,408,686 and a traded value of 7,149,647,156. The market saw 120 advancers against 185 decliners, with 27 companies remaining neutral out of a total of 332.

In the debt securities segment, there are 14 publicly issued debt securities with a total issue size of 71,000,000,000 and 23 privately placed debt securities with a total issue size of 513,013,300,000. Additionally, there are 8 listed open-end mutual funds.

The key indices showed slight movements in either direction. The KSE-100 index fell by 265.57 points or 0.41%, closing at 65,151.83. The KSE-ALL Shares index decreased by 259.14 points or 0.60%, ending at 43,240.78. Similarly, the KSE-30 index dropped by 86.52 points or 0.40%, closing at 21,448.04. The KMI-30 index witnessed a decline of 357.44 points or 0.33%, settling at 109,233.61. However, the JSMFI index bucked the trend with a gain of 48.42 points or 0.31%, marking a close at 15,452.61. The JSGBKTI also saw an increase, gaining 96.87 points or 0.59%, to close at 16,577.08.

Other indices such as the BKTi, OGTi, PSX-KMI-All-Shares, PSXDIV20, UPP9, NITPGI, NBPPGI, MZNPI, ACI, and MII30 all reported minor losses, reflecting a generally cautious trading atmosphere. The HBLTTI index, as of March 21, 2024, recorded a slight increase of 6.58 points or 0.05%, indicating a positive movement in the banking sector.

This market performance underscores the nuanced and varied nature of trading on the PSE, with some sectors showing resilience amidst overall cautious market sentiments.

Azgard Nine Ltd. Announces Share Transfer Book Closure

Lahore, Azgard Nine Ltd. has informed the Pakistan Stock Exchange about its book closure dates, scheduled from March 26, 2024, to April 3, 2024. The company, a prominent entity in the textile sector, will halt share transfers for this period to update records and perform routine administrative duties. The trading of shares is expected to resume on April 3, 2024, at 11:30 AM. This announcement is crucial for investors and stakeholders, ensuring they are aware of the temporary suspension of share transfers.

AN Textile Mills Limited Announces Meeting Schedule

Faisalabad, AN Textile Mills Limited has notified the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSE) about its upcoming meeting. Scheduled for 30-03-2024 at 11:00, the event will take place in Faisalabad. This announcement follows the regulatory requirements for publicly traded companies to inform shareholders and the market of their significant corporate activities. The specifics of the meeting agenda were not disclosed in the announcement.

Bata Pakistan Ltd. Reports No Dividend

Lahore, Bata Pakistan Ltd. has announced that there will be no dividend distribution for this period. The company's statement to the Pakistan Stock Exchange outlined that the transfer books would remain closed from April 18, 2024, to April 24, 2024. The announcement further noted that share transfers would be halted on April 24, 2024, at 10:00 am, with no interim or final dividends being declared for shareholders.

Service Industries Limited Sets 100% Final Dividend for Shareholders

Lahore, Service Industries Limited has announced a 100% final dividend for its shareholders, as per its recent financial statement to the Pakistan Stock Exchange. The transfer books of the company will be closed from April 20, 2024, to April 26, 2024, with the distribution set to commence at 11:30 on April 26, 2024, in Lahore. This announcement underlines the company’s strong financial performance and its dedication to shareholder value.

Redco Textiles Ltd. Announces Closure of Transfer Books for Upcoming Week

Islamabad, Redco Textiles Ltd. has informed its stakeholders that the company's transfer books will be closed from March 28, 2024, to April 4, 2024. This period is designated for administrative purposes related to the company's operations. No dividend, bonus, or right share announcements accompany this closure. The company has scheduled the BC-2 start date for April 4, 2024, at 9:00 AM. This procedural step is a part of Redco Textiles Ltd.'s routine financial and administrative planning.

Askari General Insurance Announces a 32.5% Dividend

Rawalpindi, Askari General Insurance Company Limited has declared an impressive 32.5% final dividend to its shareholders. This announcement comes alongside the notification of the company’s transfer books closure from April 18, 2024, to April 25, 2024. Share transfers will be suspended starting April 16, 2024, and will resume on the morning of April 25, 2024, at 10:30 am. The information was relayed to investors through a filing with the Pakistan Stock Exchange.