Due to regional uncertainty, PSX begins the week in the red.

As investor sentiment remained cautious amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) began the week in the red.

During intraday trading, the KSE-100 index fell 715.91 points to 149,682.80 points, a 0.48 percent down from the previous close of 150,398.71 points.

Following US President Donald Trump’s threat of “hell” for Iran if it does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz by his self-imposed deadline, oil prices increased and markets were mixed on Monday. However, a report of a push for a ceasefire seemed to calm some tensions.

Trump’s frequent threats to demolish civilian infrastructure, including as bridges and power plants, if the crucial waterway is not opened by Tuesday have made merchants fearful that Iran may retaliate by attacking targets in the Gulf states.

While MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific equities outside of Japan (.MIAPJ0000PUS) was up about 0.3%, S&P 500 e-mini futures wavered between gains and losses, down 0.1%, due to a lack of liquidity as several countries in the area observed Easter Monday vacations. The Kospi (.KS11) in South Korea gained 0.9%, while the Nikkei 225 (.N225) increased 1.3%.