KSE steady near 16,800pts ahead of monetary policy

KARACHI: Stocks steadied near 16,800 points on Monday, ending a four session streak of record highs, as traders awaited this week's central bank decision on monetary policy, dealers said.

The Karachi Stock Exchange's (KSE) benchmark 100-index closed at 16,787.54 points, down 0.12 percent or 20.37 points.

The market hit a record high of 16,903.46 during intraday trading on Friday.

The market has found support from expectations that the State Bank of Pakistan will cut its discount rate this week after government data showed inflation under control.

Fauji Cement fell 2.08 percent, or 0.14 rupee, to 6.59 per share, while National Bank dropped 2.12 percent, or 1.07 rupees, to 49.50 per share.

Stocks that rose included Maple Leaf Cement, up 4.39 percent to 14.02 per share, and Askari Bank, which gained 1.97 percent to 17.10 per share. (Reuters)