Business
PSX extends losing streak as index plunges 2,062 points | The Express Tribune
A stock broker reacts while monitoring the market on the electronic board displaying share prices during trading session at the Pakistan Stock Exchange, in Karachi on July 3, 2023. Photo: Reuters/ File
The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) witnessed a sharp downturn on Tuesday as early gains were wiped out by heavy profit-taking and weak investor sentiment, pushing the benchmark index deep into the red.
After opening on a positive note, the KSE-100 index climbed to an intra-day high of 163,380.67 points. However, momentum quickly reversed in the second half as investors booked profits from recent rallies. The index hit a low of 159,805.35 points before closing at 160,101.03, down 2,062.78 points or 1.27% from Monday’s close of 162,163.81.
Tuesday’s slump marked the fifth consecutive session of losses, underscoring persistent investor unease. The benchmark briefly dipped below the 160,000-point mark amid sustained selling pressure and a lack of positive triggers.
Read: Border clashes rattle stocks and PSX suffers major sell-off
Market participants attributed the downturn to fading confidence, macroeconomic uncertainty, and caution ahead of corporate earnings, following recent policy announcements.
Arif Habib Limited (AHL) noted that the bearish spell persisted with the fifth straight down close and an intra-day breach of the 160,000 level. Only 19 scrips gained while 79 declined, with Lucky Cement (+1.67%), Pakistan Services (+1.69%), and Service Industries (+1.69%) providing the most support.
On the flip side, Hub Power (-2.18%), Meezan Bank (-1.82%), and Habib Bank (-1.9%) were the biggest drags on the index.
In corporate results, Lucky Cement reported its highest-ever quarterly consolidated profit after tax (PAT) of Rs21.9 billion (+23% YoY), translating into an EPS of Rs15.01 for 1QFY26.
Read More: PSX slips 0.3% as selling offsets early gains
Indus Motor Company (+0.92%) also posted a record PAT of Rs6.72 billion (EPS: Rs85.49, +32% YoY) along with a record quarterly dividend of Rs51 per share. Pakistan State Oil (+0.65%) announced 1QFY26 EPS of Rs20.0, up 136% YoY.
AHL cautioned that Tuesday’s declines wiped out all gains made since mid-October, warning that “after a bounce, the October lows will likely come under threat.”
Overall market participation improved, with 1.01 billion shares traded, up from 1.0 billion on Monday. Traded value stood at Rs36.94 billion.
Out of 476 active scrips, 113 advanced, 324 declined, and 39 remained unchanged. K-Electric led the volumes chart with 94.6 million shares, losing Rs0.54 to close at Rs5.27.
Gold and silver prices have experienced significant fluctuations recently. The US-China trade deal and the strengthening US dollar are the primary factors influencing these movements. Investors tend to reduce their investments in precious metals when market and global geopolitical conditions appear stable, leading to a decline in prices.
On the Multi Commodity Exchange of India (MCX), gold for December fell by Rs 1,546 to Rs 1,21,905 per 10 grams. Last week, which had fewer trading days due to holidays, saw gold prices drop by Rs 3,557 (2.80%). Similarly, silver for December decreased by Rs 1,964 to Rs 1,45,506 per kg.
During the same week, silver prices fell by Rs 9,134. Many traders engaged in transactions involving 12,428 gold bars and 20,367 silver bars. The progress in US-China trade talks has contributed to the declining prices since Friday.
The recent price decline can be attributed to the two-day meeting between US and Chinese leaders in Malaysia. They reportedly reached a consensus on key issues such as export rules and shipping tariffs. As a result, the US-China trade deal and the strong US dollar have diminished the demand for safe-haven assets, leading to a further decline in gold prices.
This week, central banks are expected to make significant decisions regarding interest rates. The US Federal Reserve is likely to cut rates by 0.25%, while the European Central Bank and the Bank of Japan are expected to maintain their current rates. Traders are closely monitoring these developments.
Expert Darshan Desai commented, “We should be prepared for significant fluctuations in the short term. Gold prices may fall further.”
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Lenskart IPO GMP Today: The company’s grey market premium has slightly fallen to 16.5% on Wednesday, compared with over 18% on Tuesday and nearly 27% on Monday.
Lenskart IPO GMP Today.
Lenskart IPO GMP Today: Eyewear retailer Lenskart Solutions is set to launch its initial public offer (IPO) on Wednesday, October 31. The price band of the Rs 7,278-crore IPO has been fixed in the range of Rs 382-Rs 402 apiece. Analysts have raised valuation concerns with the IPO, which comes at a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 230x. According to market observers, the grey market premium or GMP has slightly fallen to 16.5% on Wednesday, compared with over 18% on Tuesday and nearly 27% on Monday.
Lenskart IPO: Opening, Closing, Allotment, Listing Dates
The IPO will be opened on October 31 and closed on November 4. Its allotment will be finalised on November 6, while the stock listing is scheduled to take place on November 10 on both BSE and NSE.
Lenskart IPO GMP Today
According to market observers, unlisted shares of Lenskart Solutions Ltd are currently trading at Rs 468 apiece in the grey market, against the upper IPO price of Rs 402. It means a grey market premium (GMP) of 16.42%, indicating decent listing gains for investors.
The GMP is based on market sentiments and keeps changing. ‘Grey market premium’ indicates investors’ readiness to pay more than the issue price.
Lenskart IPO: What Analysts Say
Analysts point towards the high valuation of the company. SBI Securities said that at the upper end of the price band, Lenskart’s valuation stands at 10.1 times its FY25 EV/Sales and 68.7 times EV/EBITDA on a post-issue basis.
The analysts at SBI Securities cautioned that the issue appears stretched on valuation, which may cap potential listing gains. However, they highlighted the company’s strong business model and the significant growth opportunity in India’s expanding eyewear market as key positives.
The brokerage also noted that profitability metrics will need close monitoring as the company continues to scale its operations. Lenskart’s EBITDA margin has notably improved from 7% in FY23 to 14.7% in FY25, reflecting operational efficiency. Considering the company’s long-term prospects, SBI Securities has recommended subscribing to the IPO for the long term at the cut-off price.
Though the Lenskart Solutions IPO is debuting at a steep valuation of around 234 times its price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio, analysts said assessing the company’s valuation solely on the basis of its P/E ratio may not present a fair picture. They said Lenskart operates in a high-growth segment with significant untapped potential, given the low penetration of eyewear in India.
According to the Redseer Report, Lenskart emerged as the leading seller of prescription eyeglasses by volume in FY25 among organised retailers in India. The company has also expanded its footprint beyond domestic markets, establishing a presence in Japan, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.
SBI MF Invests Rs 100 Crore In Lenskart
SBI Optimal Equity Fund (AIF) and SBI Emergent Fund (AIF), invested Rs 100 crore in eyewear retailer Lenskart Solutions Limited through a pre-IPO transaction at a transfer price of Rs 402 per equity share.
As part of the transaction, Neha Bansal, one of the promoters, who held 7.61% of Lenskart’s pre-offer paid-up equity share capital (fully diluted basis) prior to the transfer, transferred 2,487,561 equity shares. Neha Bansal continues to hold 7.46% of the pre-offer share capital of the Company on a fully diluted basis after the transfer. The share sale does not form part of the IPO Offer for Sale.
The investment comes on the eve of the opening of Lenskart’s Initial Public Offering (IPO) scheduled for Friday, October 31, 2025.
Last week, Billionaire investor Radhakishan Damani, founder of Avenue Supermarts (DMart), invested around Rs 90 crore in eyewear retailer Lenskart through a pre-IPO transaction, according to people familiar with the development.
Lenskart IPO Price Band and Size
The company has fixed the price band at Rs 382-402 per share for its IPO. At the upper end of the price band, Lenskart is seeking a valuation of around $7.91 billion (about Rs 72,700 crore).
The issue includes a fresh issue of shares worth Rs 2,150 crore, while the offer-for-sale (OFS) segment will see promoters and investors offloading more than 12.75 crore equity shares.
Key Selling Shareholders in the OFS
Along with founders and promoters (Peyush Bansal, Neha Bansal, Amit Chaudhary, and Sumeet Kapahi), several major investors are participating in the OFS. These include SoftBank’s SVF II Lightbulb (Cayman), Schroders Capital, PI Opportunities Fund, MacRitchie Investments, Kedaara Capital Fund, and Alpha Wave Ventures.
Notably, Schroders Capital Private Equity Asia (Mauritius) is set to make a complete exit, selling 1.9 crore shares, which represent a 1.13% stake in the company.
About Lenskart
Founded in 2010, Lenskart began as an online eyewear retailer and has since grown into one of India’s leading omnichannel eyewear brands with both online and offline presence. The company was valued at $6.1 billion as of September 2025, according to Tracxn data cited by Reuters.
In June 2025, the company transitioned into a public limited entity — changing its name from Lenskart Solutions Private Limited to Lenskart Solutions Limited after an extraordinary general meeting held on May 30.
Lenskart IPO Lead Managers and Objective
The fresh issue will be used for business expansion, new investments, acquisitions and general corporate purposes.
The IPO will be managed by a consortium of top investment bankers, while the registrar and book-running lead managers will be responsible for allotment and investor coordination.
With strong brand visibility, a robust online-offline model, and solid investor backing, the Lenskart IPO is expected to generate significant interest among both retail and institutional investors.
Haris is Deputy News Editor (Business) at news18.com. He writes on various issues related to personal finance, markets, economy and companies. Having over a decade of experience in financial journalism, Haris h…Read More
Haris is Deputy News Editor (Business) at news18.com. He writes on various issues related to personal finance, markets, economy and companies. Having over a decade of experience in financial journalism, Haris h… Read More
October 29, 2025, 12:14 IST
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Indian benchmark indices opened higher on Wednesday, tracking positive global cues.
Sensex Today
Sensex Today: Indian benchmark indices — Sensex and Nifty — ended higher on Wednesday, tracking positive global cues and investor optimism ahead of the US Federal Reserve’s policy outcome. Sentiment was further lifted by reports suggesting that US President Joe Biden may soon finalise a trade deal with India.
The BSE Sensex climbed 368.97 points, or 0.44%, to close at 84,977.13, while the NSE Nifty50 gained 117.7 points, or 0.45%, to end at 26,053.9.
Broader markets also advanced, with the NSE Midcap 100 rising 0.64% and the Nifty Smallcap 100 up 0.43%.
Barring Nifty Auto, all sectoral indices closed in the green. Nifty Oil & Gas led the gains, up 2.12%, followed by Energy, Metal, Media, Bank, Financial Services, IT, Pharma, FMCG, and Consumer Durables.
Among Sensex constituents, NTPC, Power Grid, Adani Ports, HCL Tech, and Tata Steel were top gainers, while Bharat Electronics, Eternal, Mahindra & Mahindra, Maruti Suzuki, and Bajaj Finance ended as major laggards.
Ponmudi R, CEO, Enrich Money, said: “The Nifty50 marked its third straight day of gains, reflecting continued bullish sentiment. However, the index faces resistance around the 26,050–26,100 range, with support at 25,900–25,660. As long as it sustains above 25,800, the trend remains positive. A decisive move above 26,100 could drive an extended rally toward 26,250–26,400, while a drop below 25,900 might trigger mild profit-taking at higher levels.”
Global Cues
Asian markets traded mixed on Wednesday as investors awaited the US Federal Reserve’s policy announcement, where a second consecutive 25-basis-point rate cut is widely expected. Markets have nearly priced in the move, which would lower the federal funds rate to 3.75–4.00 per cent.
Japan’s Nikkei climbed over 1 per cent to a fresh record high, while the Topix was flat and South Korea’s Kospi added 0.17 per cent. Australia’s ASX 200 slipped 0.16 per cent after Q3 inflation rose to 3.2 per cent, the fastest pace in over a year. Hong Kong markets remained closed for a public holiday.
On Wall Street, major US indices hit new record highs overnight — the S&P 500 rose 0.23 per cent, Nasdaq gained 0.80 per cent, and the Dow advanced 0.34 per cent — as investors positioned ahead of the Fed decision.
Aparna Deb is a Subeditor and writes for the business vertical of News18.com. She has a nose for news that matters. She is inquisitive and curious about things. Among other things, financial markets, economy, a…Read More
Aparna Deb is a Subeditor and writes for the business vertical of News18.com. She has a nose for news that matters. She is inquisitive and curious about things. Among other things, financial markets, economy, a… Read More
October 29, 2025, 09:15 IST
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