The new business week opened on a turbulent note for Pakistan’s financial markets, with gold extending its upward march while equities faced heavy selling pressure.

According to figures released by the All-Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Association, gold prices posted a strong gain, tracking momentum in the international bullion market. In the local market, the price per tola jumped by Rs3,000, pushing it to Rs536,562. The rate for 10 grams also moved higher, climbing Rs2,572 to settle at Rs460,015.

Market dealers attributed the rally to strength in global gold prices. In international trading, bullion rose by $30 per ounce, reaching $5,138. Analysts note that gold often benefits from global economic uncertainty, as investors shift funds toward assets perceived as safe havens. When international prices rise, Pakistan’s domestic market typically follows suit due to its close linkage with global trends.

Silver mirrored gold’s performance, recording a gain of Rs146 per tola to reach Rs9,094. Traders reported steady demand for precious metals during the session, reflecting cautious investor sentiment.

In contrast, the mood at the Pakistan Stock Exchange was markedly different. The benchmark KSE-100 Index suffered a sharp decline, falling 5,478.63 points to close at 167,691.08,  a drop of 3.16 percent from the previous session.

Financial experts suggest that such contrasting movements between gold and equities often reflect shifting investor priorities. When uncertainty dominates the broader economic landscape, many participants lean toward safer instruments like gold, while stock markets experience pressure.

With global developments continuing to shape sentiment, traders and investors are keeping a close watch on both international commodity trends and domestic market signals in the days ahead.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)