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Gold price snaps back in Pakistan

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  • Gold price settles at Rs186,500 per tola.
  • Yellow metal is “overcost” by Rs2,000 per tola in Pakistan.
  • Silver price rise by Rs30 per tola in local market.

Gold price bounced back on Wednesday as bargain hunters took advantage of recent uncertainty, but the precious metal’s outlook was still clouded by prospects of aggressive rate hikes next week.

According to the data released by the All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association (APSGJA), the price of the precious metal rose by Rs2,100 per tola and Rs1,801 per 10 grams to settle at Rs186,500 per tola and Rs159,894 per 10 grams, respectively.

The association reported that the price of gold has been “overcost” by Rs2,000 per tola in Pakistan, as compared to prices in Dubai. This means that, at present, the Pakistani gold market is more expensive than the world market.

It should be noted that Pakistan meets almost all its gold demand through imports, and traders follow its international price in setting rates in the country. Jewellers import the metal against the US dollar and UAE dirham before converting its price into rupees.

Goldsmiths also mentioned that the majority of the buyers in the local market comprise gold investors these days. Earlier, they were parking their savings in the US dollar to avoid the impact of rupee devaluation at a time of high inflation.

Last week, gold prices remained volatile during the week, with the precious commodity undergoing correction during the first three sessions; however, it regained its shine. The price rose by Rs2,000 during the volatile week that ended on January 14.

Goldsmiths believe that the investors started moving to the bullion market following the shortfall of the dollar in the open market. In the black market, illegal traders were selling the dollar for Rs280-290 compared to Rs228 in the interbank market.

Meanwhile, silver prices in the domestic market rose by Rs30 per tola and Rs16.78 per 10 grams to settle at Rs2,100 and Rs1,817.19.

In the international market, the gold reversed course to trade higher on Wednesday as the US dollar pulled back from session highs and expectations of a slower pace of Federal Reserve rate hikes supported prices above the $1,900 threshold. The price settled at Rs1,909 per ounce after an increase of $6.

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ECC Convenes in Islamabad: Forum Sanctions Spa Agreement Between PSO and SOCAR Azerbaijan

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Pakistan State Oil and SOCAR Azerbaijan have signed a sale purchase agreement for the delivery of petroleum products, which has been approved by the Cabinet’s Economic Coordination Committee.

The Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb chaired the ECC meeting in Islamabad, where the permission to this effect was granted.

The Ministry of Energy’s Circular Debt Management Plan for FY 2024–2025 was also authorized by the conference. Its goals are to improve financial sustainability and lower liabilities in the power industry.

The committee examined the situation with the increase in prices for chicken and pulses. In order to offer the general public with relief as soon as possible, it expressed worry about the situation and requested that the National Price Monitoring Committee keep an eye on it in cooperation with the Ministry of National Food Security and Research and the Provincial Administration.

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Pakistan has reduced its policy rate to an all-time high.

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There has been a significant decrease in the policy interest rate that Pakistan has implemented. The country’s central bank made the announcement on Monday that it will be lowering interest rates by 250 basis points, bringing them down to 15 percent. This was a record-breaking reduction in Pakistan’s policy rate, which was done with the intention of bolstering the economy, which had been struggling.

Following a significant decrease in Pakistan’s inflation rate, the central bank made this move. It was anticipated in a poll conducted by Reuters that policy rates would be reduced by 200 basis points. There was a forty percent increase in the country’s inflation rate in May 2023, however it has since decreased to seven point two percent in October. The Ministry of Finance anticipates that inflation will continue to decline, reaching a level of between 5.5 and 6.5 percent in the month of November.

Earlier, Pakistan had reduced the policy rate by 700 basis points over the course of four separate measures beginning in June of last year. The economy of Pakistan has been in a precarious situation for a considerable amount of time. The majority of economists are of the opinion that falling interest rates is essential in order to stimulate economic expansion.

By stating that the existing monetary policy will assist stabilize commodity prices and keep inflation between 5 and 7 percent, the State Bank of Pakistan expressed its support for a reduction in interest rates. In addition to contributing to the preservation of macroeconomic stability, it will also contribute to the achievement of economic growth on a sustainable basis.

Jameel Ahmad, the Governor of the Central Bank, informed analysts at a briefing that Pakistan’s bilateral partner countries have promised the International Monetary Fund (IMF) of continuing support for the duration of their current financial recovery program. This announcement was made in conjunction with the announcement of the policy rate decline.

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The stock market rises to all-time highs and crosses the 92,000-point mark.

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The primary index hit the crucial 92,000-point benchmark as the stock market soared to new all-time highs.

A significant increase was made by the hundred-index, which closed at 92,351 points after rising 414 points.

According to analysts, this increase is the result of a resurgence of investor confidence, which has been supported by strong mood in international markets and solid economic indications.

With predictions for more increase as market stability improves, the most recent surge highlights a robust recovery trend.

The market fell from previous record highs due to selling pressure, causing the Pakistan Stock Exchange to see a steep dip earlier today.

The benchmark 100-index ended the trading session down after originally rising 572 points to an all-time high of 92,514 points.

The market finished the day at 91,660 points, down 278 points, unable to hold the 92,000-point threshold after hitting spectacular highs.

Analysts point to investor profit-taking as a contributing factor in the decline, indicating a cautious attitude in the market following recent advances. The market is becoming more volatile, and investors are paying close attention to patterns.

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