PSX ends flat as inflation concerns weigh

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) saw a volatile session on Wednesday, with the benchmark KSE-100 index closing nearly flat as profit-taking towards the end of the day dragged it into negative territory. The index fluctuated in a wide range, reflecting the market’s response to ongoing economic concerns, particularly the impact of flood-related agricultural losses on inflation. Inflation remained a key concern for investors, with the latest data from Topline Research indicating that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for September is expected to rise by 6.5-7pc year-on-year, up from 3pc in August and 6.93pc in the same month last year. On a month-on-month basis, inflation for September is projected at 3.1pc, the highest in 26 months. The surge is largely attributed to rising food prices, with supply-side disruptions caused by the recent floods exacerbating the situation.