MARKET REVIEW
The benchmark KSE100 index slid by 1.5%WoW to settle at 40,248level. The week started off on a bearish note amid ongoing sit-in by religious parties, dampening investor’s sentiment. Consequently, lack of triggers during the week kept investors at bay. Trading activity in the week picked up marginally with ADT witnessing an increase of 5.8%WoW. Foreign investors remained net seller during the week, exhibiting an outflow of USD6.3mn.
During the week, LHC granted interim relief (SRO inapplicable) to importers that filed writ petitions against recently imposed regulatory duty on 731 items. Also, following government’s decision to shut down FO based power plants which choked storage facilities, government is then considering to impose a ban on import of furnace oil and askFO based power plants to lift some to ease pressure from refineries.
On the macro front, country’s foreign exchange reserves declined to USD19.7bn on the back of external debt repayments. Additionally, the current account deficit ballooned to USD5.01bn during the first four month of FY18, up by massive 122%YoY. On the other hand, power sector’s circular debt reached PKR750bn of which PKR421bn falls in the government’s definition of circular debt whereas PKR327bn is parked in the books of Power Holding Limited (PHPL). Faced with huge current account deficit and depleting foreign exchange reserves, government plans to raise USD2-3bnthrough Eurobond and Sukuk with tenors ranging from 5-30yrs.
OUTLOOK
With monetary policy statement scheduled to be announced today, we expect interest rates to remain unchanged. Moreover, we expect market volatility to persist amid political uncertainty.
NEWS THIS WEEK
ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS & DATA POINTS
Forex reserves decline| (The News): Pakistan’s total liquid foreign exchange reserves declined to USD19.7bn during the week ended November 17 as compared to USD19.71bn during the previous week, the central bank said on Thursday. The State Bank of Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves went down to USD13.5bn during the week under review from USD13.7bn, it said.
Current account deficit nearly doubles to USD5.0bn in July-Oct| (The News): The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) recorded USD5.0bn of current account deficit in the first four months of FY18 as compared to USD2.3bn in the corresponding period a year earlier. In October, the current account deficit stood at USD1.3bn, up 19.9% over September.
Stock of circular debt 20% higher| (BR): Power sector’s circular debt has reached PKR750bn of which PKR421bn falls squarely in the government’s definition of circular debt whereas PKR327bn is parked in the books of Power Holding (Private) Limited (PHPL). The stock of circular debt is 20% higher than the maximum stock of PKR350bn agreed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Fiscal deficit may soar to 8.5%| (BR): The fiscal deficit in the current fiscal year may reach the level the PML-N inherited in 2013 – 8.5% – unless a mini budget is unveiled to meet the growing revenue shortfall coupled with a rising expenditure bill compared to what was budgeted. This was the outcome of an anecdotal survey of economists and analysts.
Raising USD2-3bn: government lays out plans| (BR): Faced with large current account deficit and prospects of drawdown in foreign exchange reserves, Pakistan government has laid out plans to raise USD2-3bn in Eurobond and Sukuk (Islamic bonds). The government plans to hold investor road shows for the purpose this week and the next week. The actual issuance of the bond may take place in the next few weeks.
[ads1]
SECTOR AND CORPORATE HIGHLIGHTS
Govt may ban import of furnace oil| (Dawn): Amid grim supply challenges following topped up storages, the government is likely to impose an immediate ban on import of furnace oil and ask some of the oil-based power plants to lift some stocks for easing pressure on refineries.
Sugar mills fear PKR189bn default on payment as ‘govt indecisive’ on exports| (The News): Sugar mills are feared to default on paying a huge PKR189bn to the growers as government’s indecisiveness to allow sweetener’s exports on desirable rebates created liquidity crunch in the industry, a top official said on Wednesday.
Inclusion of auto sector in FTAs: PAAPAM opposes government’s proposal| (BR): The Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts & Accessories Manufacturers has expressed serious concerns on the government’s proposal to include the auto sector in Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with Turkey, Thailand & other countries. It said the Auto Development Policy (ADP), issued by ECC on 21st March, 2016, is the sole authentic document that governs the future policy for the auto sector. Including auto sector in any FTA would discredit the Government and scare away massive investments in the pipeline.
Assembly, distribution of vehicles Groupe Renault, Al-Futtaim sign agreements| (BR): Groupe Renault and Al-Futtaim on Monday announced that they have signed definitive agreements for the exclusive assembly and distribution of Renault vehicles in Pakistan.
RD on import of 731 listed items: LHC makes SRO inapplicable| (BR):: Lahore High Court (LHC) has made SRO No. 1035(I)/2017, inapplicable till final outcome of the writ petitions. Under this SRO, regulatory duty (RD) has been charged the rates ranging from 10-45% on import of 731 listed items. It is learnt that on multiple writ petitions (WP No. 108547 of 2017) filed by the importers, Lahore High Court has granted interim relief, ordering that any regulatory duty to be paid by the petitioners shall be subject to the final outcome of the petitions.
STOCK MARKET SYNOPSIS | |||
---|---|---|---|
Last week | This Week | %Change | |
Mkt. Cap (US $ bn) | 79.9 | 79.2 | -0.9% |
Avg. Dly T/O (mn. shares) | 106.0 | 112.2 | 5.8% |
Avg. Dly T/O (US$ mn.) | 51.0 | 46.9 | -7.9% |
No. of Trading Sessions | 5.0 | 5.0 | 0.0 |
KSE 100 Index | 40,844.4 | 40,248.4 | -1.5% |
KSE ALL Share Index | 29,261.9 | 29,011.2 | -0.9% |