Business

Gold clings to gain but caution prevails ahead of Fed meeting

Published

1 year ago

Farwa

Gold price settles at Rs151,550 per tola.
Price is determined keeping in view its prices in world markets.
Investors wait for clues on US rate hike.

KARACHI: Gold retained overnight gains in Pakistan on Wednesday in line with the international market but caution prevailed ahead of a Federal Reserve policy statement later tonight as investors waited for clues on US rate hike.

Data released by the All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association (APSGJA) showed that the price of gold rose by Rs450 per tola and Rs386 per 10 grams to settle at Rs151,550 and Rs129,930, respectively.

Pakistan is a small market for gold at the global level. It meets the commodity’s demand through imports as it does not produce the precious metal locally.

Accordingly, the gold price for local markets is determined by keeping in view its prices in world markets, rupee-dollar exchange rate, and demand and supply in domestic markets.

The latest price for local markets was determined to keep in view the prices at which trade took place among buyers and sellers.

In the international market, the price of the yellow metal rose by $2 per ounce settling at $1,655 as the dollar weakened, but they held to a tight range with investors reluctant to place big bets before the US Federal Reserve’s rate decision later in the day.

The Fed is due to release its policy statement at 2pm EDT (1800 GMT) and is widely expected to raise its benchmark overnight interest rate by 75 basis points, the fourth such increase in a row.

Traders will be looking out for the Fed’s commentary on future rate hikes amid growing optimism that the US central bank will slow rate increases from December.

Should the Fed pivot narrative be vindicated this week, then spot gold would have a high chance of touching $1,700 over the immediate term.

Gold bulls’ shoulders would slump if the Fed quashes the notion that policymakers are letting up in their ongoing battle against inflation.

The precious commodity’s rates in Pakistan are around Rs1,500 below the cost compared to the rate in the Dubai market.

Meanwhile, silver prices in the domestic market remained unchanged at Rs1,590 per tola and Rs1,363.13 per 10 grams.

Business

There are US$13,280.5 million in foreign exchange reserves in Pakistan.

Published

11 hours ago

Farwa

According to a representative for the central bank, as of April 19, 2024, the nation’s total liquid foreign reserves were valued at US$ 13,280.5 million. A loss of US$74 million left the State Bank of Pakistan’s foreign reserves at US$7,981.2 million.

Commercial banks have $5,299.3 million in reserves for Pakistan.

In the week that concluded on April 12, the State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) foreign exchange reserves increased by $14.4 million to $8.055 billion.

“In a weekly statement, SBP stated that it has repaid US$ 1 billion in principal and interest on Pakistan’s International Bond, which matures this week.”

But at $13.374 billion, the nation’s total reserves decreased by $68 million. In the same way, commercial banks’ reserves dropped to $5.319 billion, a reduction of $82 million.

Business

NIMA seminar to increase Pakistan’s ship recycling industry’s capacity

Published

11 hours ago

Farwa

According to a release, important players from a range of maritime industries attended the conference to discuss issues facing the shipping sector.

It further stated that the symposium cleared the path for the resurgence of a sustainable future in ship recycling.

Participants in the conference included representatives of the Gadani Ship Breaking Labour Union, PSBA, KS&EW, KPT, PMSA, GEMS, and the federal and Balochistani governments.

Furthermore, global perspectives and ideas were offered by international specialists such as Rabia Razzaque from UN-ILO and Professor Raphael Baumler from the World Maritime University.

The seminar emphasized Pakistan’s capacity to emerge as a pioneer in the field of environmentally friendly ship recycling.

In order to protect the environment and the safety of employees, the participants emphasized the importance of following international standards and regulations.

During his speech, Chief Guest Senator Nisar Ahmed Khoro emphasized the importance of the maritime industry’s resurgence and the crucial necessity for coordinated efforts from all parties involved.

A new age of economic prosperity, worker safety, and environmental responsibility for Pakistan’s maritime industry was called for as he urged the stakeholders to work together on a comprehensive SENSREC program.

Vice Admiral Ahmed Saeed (Retd), the president of NIMA, emphasized the significance of environmental stewardship and safety in ship recycling procedures.

Business

Inflows into the Roshan Digital Account surged to $7.660 billion on March 24.

Published

11 hours ago

Farwa

According to the data, remittance inflows for the month of March totaled US$ 182 million, whereas they were US$ 141 million in February and US$ 142 million in January 2024.

Millions of Non-Resident Pakistanis (NRPs), including those who own Non-Resident Pakistan Origin Cards (POCs), can now engage in banking, payment, and investing activities in Pakistan with the help of these accounts, which offer cutting-edge banking solutions.

According to a statement from the State Bank of Pakistan, the number of accounts registered under the program increased by 11,091 from 668,701 accounts in February 2024 to 679,792 accounts in March 2024.

As of March 2024, the central bank reported that foreign nationals of Pakistan have invested US $312 million in Naya Pakistan Certificates, US $528 million in Naya Pakistan Islamic Certificates, and US $31 million in Roshan Equity Investment.

It is important to note that former prime minister Imran Khan introduced the Roshan Digital Account initiative in September 2020 with the goal of giving Pakistanis living abroad access to digital banking services for the first time.