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Gold pulls back in local market as caution sets in

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  • Gold price settles at Rs154,700 per tola.
  • Local market is expected to trade sideways during the week. 
  • Silver prices in domestic market remained unchanged.

KARACHI: Gold prices slipped in Pakistan as the dollar ticked up in the international market and investors showed caution in the run-up to the announcement of US monetary policy announcement later this week.

The precious metal plunged Rs1,500 per tola and Rs1,286 per 10 grams to settle at Rs154,700 and Rs132,630 respectively, data released by the All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association (APSGJA) showed.

For several sessions, gold has been stuck in a range and is likely going to continue to be in that range in the near term. The market will only break out into a direction after it gets more economic data and sees stability in rupee-dollar parity.

Local market is expected to see some choppy, sideways trade this week. Speaking to Geo.tv AA Commodities Director Adnan Agar said that the prices may decline further in the local market in line with the international prices; however, rupee depreciation will arrest some of the losses.

Moreover, rising geopolitical and economic risks are doing little to entice haven buying, with the US dollar still the asset of choice.

In the international market, the price of yellow metal rose by $13 per ounce; however, it failed to cross the psychological barrier of $1,700. The price settled at $1,662 as investors braced for aggressive interest rate hikes by the US Federal Reserve and other central banks this week in an effort to tame high inflation.

The yellow metal is viewed as a safe-haven investment in the face of inflation woes, but high-interest rates increase

Gold rates in Pakistan are around Rs1,000 below the cost compared to the rate in the Dubai market.

Meanwhile, silver prices in the domestic market remained unchanged at Rs1,570 per tola and Rs1,346.02 per 10 grams.

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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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