KARACHI: Pakistan’s stock market ended lower after a volatile session ahead of monetary policy, said dealers.

The benchmark 100-share index at the Karachi Stock Exchange closed down 0.15 percent, or 51.44 points, at 33,857.

“Investors remained at the sidelines and uncertainty prevailed in the market ahead of monetary policy announcement on Saturday,” said Sobia Faiz, analyst Sunrise Capital Private Ltd.

Profit taking was seen in the banking sector, Faysal Bank Ltd. ended lower 0.49 percent at 16.20 rupees.

Traded volumes decreased by 4 percent to 182 million shares, while traded value decreased by 3.2 percent to Rs5.9.bn $56 million.

The rupee was almost steady at 105.45/105.50 against the dollar, compared with Thursday’s close of 105.43/105.49.

Overnight rates in the money market fell to 6.25 percent from Thursday’s close of 6.50 percent.