Business

Gold roars to another record high in Pakistan

Published

1 year ago

Farwa

Bullion extends record-making run as rupee devaluation worsens.
Gold in Pakistan overcost by Rs5,000 per tola vs Dubai market.
Dealers think gold to remain unstoppable in the near term.

Gold prices in Pakistan roared to a new record high Monday, while the rupee continued to whimper versus the dollar after being thrown to the mercy of the unruly market forces to coax the International Monetary Fund (IMF) into unlocking a stalemated loan, dealers said.

According to All-Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association (APSGJA), the price of gold (24 carats) increased by Rs1,500 per tola and Rs1,286 per 10 grams to settle at Rs210,500 per tola and Rs180,470 per 10 grams, respectively.

The jewellers’ body also said that local gold was “overcost” by Rs5,000 per tola in Pakistan, compared to the Dubai bullion market.

Dealers, who were already eyeing the 200,000+ per tola rate since the current price hike spree, cited record-breaking rupee devaluation and a steep decline in the foreign exchange reserves in the country as major factors contributing towards the massive price hike in the bullion market.

Investors were, however, purchasing only gold bars, not jewellery, which had not only reduced goldsmiths’ profit margins but the labour force was also at the stake of losing jobs, as jewellery makers were moving towards other professions in absence of work, The News reported on Friday.

“There was a decline in purchasing power of the people as more people now use artificial jewellery,” a goldsmith said, adding that the majority of the gold makers are also moving towards artificial jewellery.

Gold in the international market edged up on a weaker dollar, as investor attention moved to several central bank meetings this week for more clarity on their rate hike strategies, with the key focus on the US Federal Reserve.

Spot gold gained 0.1% to $1,928.36 per ounce.

“Gold is easing away from a nine-month high as the US dollar and yields stabilise, as markets eagerly await the Fed’s latest policy guidance,” said Han Tan, chief market analyst at Exinity.

The dollar was 0.2% lower, making bullion, which is priced in the US currency, more attractive for customers holding other currencies.

Market participants widely expect a 25-basis-point (bps) interest rate increase from the US central bank at the end of its two-day policy meeting on February 1.

Expectations are for a slowdown in Fed rate hikes after economic data showed signs of cooling U.S. inflation, while US consumer spending fell for a second-straight month in December, putting the economy on a lower growth path heading into 2023.

Gold, which pays no interest, tends to benefit when interest rates are low as it reduces the opportunity cost of holding bullion.

Business

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

Published

21 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

21 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

22 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.