Stocks observe fluctuation amid political uncertainty.

KARACHI -- The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) in the outgoing week closed observed fluctuations and closed in a little bit of negative territory amid political uncertainty that marred the overall trading environment while kept investors' sentiment subdued. However, the signing of a phase one trade deal between the U.S. and China to ease the ongoing trade war restored a bit of confidence among the investors. Domestic politics and rising reservations against the ruling party by its allies were also noticed by the investors. On a weekly basis, the benchmark KSE 100-share Index dropped by 39.28 points as yesterday the Index ended at 43,167.77 points as compared to last Friday's 43,207.05. Yesterday, the Index opened at 43,093.16 points and the Index managed to close with gains of 102.67 points or 0.24 per cent at 43,167.77 as the stock market took investors on a roller- coaster ride on the last trading day of the week where the volatility intensified in the second session.

Traders yesterday opined that the market was still in search of a direction, which could be provided by the State Bank monetary policy and the herald of corporate results reporting season next week. On Thursday, the overall trading volumes jumped to...