Pakistan emphasised industrial cooperation as cornerstone of CPEC and defining pillar of economic development The global investment policy-making in 2024 stayed strongly influenced through geopolitical tensions and industrial policy goals. International reports recorded that the number of new investment policy measures reached the second-highest level on record (174). Of these, 78 percent were favourable to investors. In developing countries, the share of measures favourable to investors increased marginally from an already high level, reflecting continued emphasis on investment attraction. FDI Value (Billions of dollars) Details Growth rates FDI Greeneld Projects International Project Finance Europe -58% -6% -29% North America +23%…
Author: S. Kamal Hayder Kazmi
State Bank reserves rose $28 million, standing $14.30 billion, sustaining critical economic stability According to the IMF’s Currency Composition of Official Foreign Exchange Reserves (COFER) survey, the global foreign exchange (FX) reserves were recorded $ 12.53 trillion. It was declined to about $12.36 trillion in late 2024, a 3.0 percent drop from the previous quarter. This decline was largely because of the depreciation of major reserve currencies against the US dollar. China and Japan hold the largest reserves, with China having the highest reserves globally, while the US dollar remains the dominant currency. Pakistan: Liquid Foreign Exchange Reserves (week-end levels,…
Net FDI In Pakistan ($ Million) Country 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25(Jul-Jan) China 763.2 1,311.90 130.8 846.6 751.6 531.6 432.2 568.2 633.6 UK 215.4 304.6 185 119.1 141 31.8 65 268.2 148.2 USA 45.7 161.7 88.1 99.2 166.4 249.6 89.3 137.3 59 Hong Kong 123 183.6 171 190.7 157.2 137.7 101 358.5 154.7 Switzerland 101.7 78.5 21.2 62.8 61.7 146.2 134 28.7 115.7 U.A.E. 120.1 -4.4 103.7 -44 115.7 143.9 180.1 87.3 68.2 Italy 61.5 56.6 51.9 57.4 36.3 34.8 8.6 1.9 1.2 Netherlands 457.6 100.3 69 133.2 96.9 104.1 71.9 71 47.2 Austria 21.7 27.4…
Market indicators are a series of technical indicators used by traders to predict the direction of the major financial indexes. Most market indicators are created by analyzing the number of companies that have reached new highs relative to the number that created new lows, also known as market breadth. FINANCIAL MARKET IN PAKISTAN Pakistan: Currency Rate As Per Open Market ( Sep 05, 2025) Currency Symbol Buying Selling Australian Dollar AUD 183 188 Bahrain Dinar BHD 747.85 750.35 Canadian Dollar CAD 204 209 China Yuan CNY 39.36 39.76 Danish Krone DKK 43.9 44.3 Euro EUR 328.2 330 Hong Kong Dollar…
Qatar’s QSE sees 62pc stocks end in red The Qatar Stock Exchange Thursday witnessed more than 62 percent of its traded constituents end in the red, leading its key barometer to lose as much as 43 points and capitalisation melt in excess of QR2bn. The industrials and real estate counters witnessed higher than average selling pressure as the 20-stock Qatar Index shed 0.39 percent to 11,099.21 points, although it touched an intraday high of 11,181 points. The local retail investors’ weakened net buying had its influence on the main market, whose year-to-date gains truncated further to 5 percent. The Gulf…
Stock Market Indexes Details Date Level Ch. This Week ch. Mon. ch. Ann. ch. YTD GSE Ghana [+] 09/03/2025 7,320.21 0.14% -0.14% 4.66% 68.36% 49.74% HANG SENG [+] 09/03/2025 25,343.43 -0.60% 1.06% 3.41% 43.58% 26.34% BUX [+] 09/03/2025 103,127.60 0.31% 0.56% 2.60% 41.30% 30.00% ICEX [+] 09/03/2025 2,068.41 0.46% 1.20% -1.63% 1.77% -13.41% NIFTY [+] 09/03/2025 24,715.05 0.55% 1.18% 0.61% -2.23% 4.42% JCI Jakarta [+] 09/03/2025 7,885.86 1.08% 0.71% 4.62% 3.54% 11.38% TA-35 [+] 09/03/2025 3,019.45 0.74% -1.71% 0.32% 46.47% 26.08% ASE Amman [+] 09/03/2025 2,975.00 -0.03% 0.02% 2.44% 23.25% 19.54% KASE [+] 09/04/2025 7,176.76 0.65% 2.63% 12.86% 37.14% 28.66%…
CPI Countries Countries Date CPI Interannual Accum. since January United States [+] July 2025 2.7% 2.4% United Kingdom [+] July 2025 3.8% 2.5% Germany [+] July 2025 2.0% 1.4% France [+] August 2025 0.9% 1.8% Japan [+] July 2025 3.0% 1.1% Spain [+] August 2025 2.7% 2.0% Italy [+] March 2025 2.0% 1.2% Portugal [+] July 2025 2.6% 1.7% Greece [+] July 2025 3.1% 1.3% Ireland [+] July 2025 1.7% 1.8% Andorra [+] July 2025 2.2% 0.9% Armenia [+] April 2025 2.7% 2.5% Angola [+] July 2025 19.5% 10.3% Argentina [+] July 2025 36.6% 17.3% Austria [+] July 2025 3.6%…
Economy regains stability, but household condition worsens: Hussain Bangladesh’s economy has regained stability and economic activity has increased, compared to the 2022–23 fiscal year, former lead economist at the World Bank’s Dhaka office Zahid Hussain said (30 August). “However, during the period, the situation at the household level has deteriorated, with poverty and inequality on the rise,” Zahid said during the Moazzem Hossain Memorial Lecture organised by the Economic Reporters Forum (ERF) in the capital. Moazzem Hossain is the late editor of the English daily The Financial Express and the founding president of the ERF. According to Zahid, the restored…
In Colombo, tensions between India and Pakistan increase port operations Deputy Minister of Ports in Sri Lanka Ruwan Kodithuwakku said rising military tensions between India and Pakistan have led to increased operational activity at the Colombo Port. The government has taken preemptive steps to effectively handle the increase in port traffic, the Deputy Minister acknowledged. Maritime lines between India and Pakistan have been suspended due to the elevated state of alert in the area, impacting both Indian vessels traveling to Pakistan and Pakistani vessels traveling to India. U.S. Coast Guard sends icebreaker ‘healy’ The U.S. Coast Guard has responded to…
Oil rates drop as OPEC+ weighs another output hike Oil prices fell by more than 2 percent on Wednesday ahead of a weekend meeting of OPEC+ producers that is expected to consider another increase in production targets in October. Brent crude fell $1.6, or 2.31 percent, to $67.54 a barrel by 2:11 p.m. EDT (1811 GMT). U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude fell $1.68, or 2.56 percent, to $63.91 a barrel. Eight members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies – known as OPEC+ – will consider further raising oil production at a meeting on Sunday, two sources…
Business not financial strategy “There ain’t no bargains,” and “You get at most what you pay for,” Successful acquisitions are based upon business plans, not financial analyses. Acquisition targets must fit the business strategies of the acquiring company; other wise, the acquisition is likely to fail. The worst acquisition record of the last decades of the twentieth century was that of Peter Grace, the longtime CEP of W. R. Grace. He was a brilliant man. He set out in the 1950s to build a world-class multinational through financially-based acquisitions. He assembled the ablest group of financial analysts and had them…
Pakistan imported over 10,000 MW solar components in 2025, lifting share of China’s exports Solar accounted for 25% of Pakistan’s utility electricity supplies, among top global nations International sources recorded that the year 2024 was a true landmark year for solar power. Global solar installations reached nearly 600 GW – an impressive 33 percent increase over the last year – setting yet another record. Solar accounted for 81 percent of all new renewable energy capacity added worldwide. While remaining a modest contributor to overall electricity generation for now, solar’s share in 2024 rose to 7 percent– nearly doubling in just…
Coal use in power sector stood at 69.7% during July-March FY2025 period Lucky, Sahiwal and Bin Qasim plants planned to convert operations using domestic coal resources According to the ministry of finance government of Pakistan report, coal is a significant source of energy and in our country power sector uses a significant share of coal for electricity generation. Indigenous coal resources are reasonably substantial and sufficient to meet Pakistan’s requirements on a long-term, sustainable basis. Domestic coal production is expected to grow in the coming years, starting with mining activity at Thar Coalfield Block-I and enlarging the existing mine at…
Pakistan: Installed Capacity Of Electricity Source FY 2024 July-March FY 2024 July-March FY 2025 (P) MW Share (%) MW Share (%) MW Share (%) Hydel 10,635 23.18 10,635 23.18 11,368 24.39 Thermal 28,766 62.69 28,766 62.69 25,937* 55.65 Nuclear 3,620 7.89 3,620 7.89 3,620 7.77 Renewable 2,867 6.25 2,867 6.25 5,680** 12.18 Total 45,888 100.0 45,888 100.0 46,605 100.0 *: GoP has terminated PPAs with HUB Power, Lalpir Power, Pakgen Power, Roush Power, Saba Power and Atlas Power w.e.f October 01, 2024. **: includes 2,813 MW from net metering Source: National Electric Power Regulatory Authority & NTDC Generation Of Electricity…
Market indicators are a series of technical indicators used by traders to predict the direction of the major financial indexes. Most market indicators are created by analyzing the number of companies that have reached new highs relative to the number that created new lows, also known as market breadth. FINANCIAL MARKET IN PAKISTAN Pakistan: Currency Rate As Per Open Market ( Aug 26, 2025) Currency Symbol Buying Selling Australian Dollar AUD 182 187 Bahrain Dinar BHD 749.8 752.3 Canadian Dollar CAD 203 208 China Yuan CNY 39.01 39.41 Danish Krone DKK 43.6 44 Euro EUR 328.4 330.2 Hong Kong Dollar…
Majority Gulf markets ease Most stock markets in the Gulf ended lower on Monday mirroring global declines as excitement over a potential US interest rate cut in September faded. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Friday signalled a possible rate cut at the Fed’s meeting next month, saying that risks to the job market were rising but inflation remained a threat, and that a decision wasn’t set in stone. Saudi Arabia’s benchmark index gave up early gains to edge 0.1 percent lower, hit by a 0.8 percent fall in the country’s biggest lender Saudi National Bank. Elsewhere, oil giant Saudi…
Stock Market Indexes Details Date Level Ch. This Week ch. Mon. ch. Ann. ch. YTD EGX30 [+] 08/21/2025 35,622.26 -0.31% 0.13% 4.37% 19.08% 19.78% OMX Tallinn [+] 08/22/2025 2,027.04 0.08% -0.46% -1.39% 18.12% 16.97% SPX Fiji [+] 08/22/2025 9,196.42 0 -0.11% -0.89% 2.56% -0.57% OMX25 [+] 08/21/2025 4,939.84 -0.36% 0.45% 1.49% 8.42% 14.46% GSE Ghana [+] 08/21/2025 7,336.70 0.45% -1.02% 13.96% 68.53% 50.08% HANG SENG [+] 08/21/2025 25,104.61 -0.24% -0.65% 0.44% 44.35% 25.15% BUX [+] 08/21/2025 106,091.94 -0.42% 0.90% 4.69% 45.05% 33.74% ICEX [+] 08/21/2025 2,078.65 -0.09% -0.95% -0.42% -0.09% -12.98% NIFTY [+] 08/21/2025 25,083.75 0.13% 1.84% -0.03% 1.27% 5.98%…
CPI Countries Countries Date CPI Interannual Accum. since January United States [+] July 2025 2.7% 2.4% United Kingdom [+] July 2025 3.8% 2.5% Germany [+] July 2025 2.0% 1.4% France [+] July 2025 1.0% 1.4% Japan [+] July 2025 3.0% 1.1% Maldives [+] March 2025 5.4% -0.1% Mexico [+] July 2025 3.5% 2.1% Mozambique [+] September 2024 2.5% 1.2% Nigeria [+] June 2025 22.2% 23.4% Nicaragua [+] July 2025 0.6% 0.8% Netherlands [+] July 2025 2.9% 3.1% Norway [+] December 2023 4.8% 4.8% New Zealand [+] March 2024 4.0% 0.6% Panama [+] December 2024 -0.2% -0.2% Peru [+] September 2022…
Sri Lanka’s economy to grow 4.5pc this year Sri Lanka’s economy will grow by 4.5 percent this year, according to a monetary policy report released by the central bank on Friday. The growth projection comes despite potential risks to the island nation’s economic recovery from U.S. tariffs. The central bank noted that while growth is expected, there are challenges on the horizon. “However, external demand conditions and evolving global economic landscape increase the level of uncertainty associated with growth prospects over the near to medium term,” the report stated. The forecast provides insight into Sri Lanka’s economic trajectory as the…
In Port Everglades, coast guard offloads record drug haul The U.S. Coast Guard achieved a milestone with the offload of a record 76,140 pounds of illicit narcotics, valued at $473 million, at Port Everglades on Monday. This marks the largest quantity of drugs offloaded in Coast Guard history. Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton’s crew offloaded approximately 61,740 pounds of cocaine and 14,400 pounds of marijuana, preventing an estimated 23 million potential lethal doses from reaching the United States. “The U.S. Coast Guard in partnership with our federal, DoD, and international partners are offloading 61,740 pounds of cocaine, and this represents a…
Activity Costing Activity-based costing is a totally different way of thinking. Traditional costing techniques are now rapidly being replaced by activity-based cost accounting. Traditional costing builds cost form the bottom up – labor, material, and overhead. It concentrates primarily on manufacturing-related costs, the so-called inventoriable costs. Activity-based costing starts from the end and asks, “Which activities and related costs are used in carrying out the complete value chain of activities associated with the cost object?” Activity-based costing includes the cost of quality and service. By designing quality into products and services during the design stage, design cost may increase, but…
National poverty rate at 25.6% remains largely unchanged; BISP partially cover living costs but structural challenges hinder poverty reduction Researchers analysed that access to social protection programme is critical to provide vital support for millions of people facing poverty, crises and life’s uncertainties. It assists protect people against shocks today and build resilience and human capital to make the most of tomorrow. Social protection goes well beyond direct cash or in-kind support; it includes strategies and programs that bridge skill, financial, and information gaps, assisting households and workers manage crises, escape poverty, navigate transitions, and seize career opportunities. Statistics showed…
World Bank’s new poverty line adds 125 million people to extreme poverty worldwide Pakistan faces rising poverty, inequality, climate shocks, and economic stagnation under flawed policies Statistics showed that the World Bank in June 2025, increased its extreme poverty estimates by 125 million people. This doesn’t mean the world has gotten poorer: it reflects a new, higher International Poverty Line of $3 a day, up from $2.15. To track progress towards ending extreme poverty by 2030, the United Nations relies on the World Bank to estimate the share of people living below a certain threshold, called the International Poverty Line…
Gross External Debt And Liabilities Position By Sector (Million US$) Gross External Debt and Libilities Position 31-Mar-24 30-Jun-24 (R) 30-Sep-24 31-Dec-24 (R) 31-Mar-25 (P) General government 83,700 82,663 83,738 82,165 83,008 Short-term 318 760 877 1,112 949 Money market instruments 119 510 665 723 524 Loans 199 250 212 390 426 Trade credits – – – – – Other debt liabilities – – – – – Long-term 83,382 81,903 82,861 81,052 82,059 Bonds and notes 7,808 6,824 6,832 6,859 6,859 Loans 75,574 75,080 76,029 74,194 75,200 Trade credits – – – – – Other debt liabilities – – – -…
Market indicators are a series of technical indicators used by traders to predict the direction of the major financial indexes. Most market indicators are created by analyzing the number of companies that have reached new highs relative to the number that created new lows, also known as market breadth. FINANCIAL MARKET IN PAKISTAN Pakistan: Currency Rate As Per Open Market ( Aug 12 2025) Currency Symbol Buying Selling Australian Dollar AUD 184.2 189.2 Bahrain Dinar BHD 751.75 754.25 Canadian Dollar CAD 205.2 210.2 China Yuan CNY 39.2 39.6 Danish Krone DKK 43.68 44.08 Euro EUR 330.4 332.4 Hong Kong Dollar…
Asian markets gain Most Asian stock rose on Tuesday, while regional currencies held steady, after the United States and China extended their tariff truce to November, easing market nerves ahead of a keenly watched US inflation report later in the day. Stocks in Malaysia and Philippines gained 0.1 percent and 0.5 percent, respectively. Shares in Taiwan edged 0.1 percent higher. Equities in Indonesia rose as much as 2.1 percent, with the main stock market index hitting its highest level since late October 2024. “Indonesia’s rally is being underpinned by optimism after the Bank Indonesia’s recent rate cut, the US tariff…
Stock Market Indexes Details Date Level Ch. This Week ch. Mon. ch. Ann. ch. YTD KSW Kuwait [+] 08/11/2025 9,339.22 0.21% 0.21% -0.12% 20.54% 19.14% KSE Kyrgyz [+] 08/11/2025 6,604.95 0 0 -0.45% 79.34% 62.13% LSX Index [+] 08/11/2025 1,509.67 2.22% 2.22% 13.75% 43.88% 31.27% OMX Riga [+] 08/12/2025 917.87 0.04% 0.25% 3.10% 4.50% 5.59% OMX Vilnius [+] 08/12/2025 1,209.48 0.42% 0.37% 0.38% 23.25% 13.52% LuxX [+] 08/11/2025 1,597.79 0.00% 0.00% -1.81% 19.72% 22.54% FBMKLCI [+] 08/11/2025 1,563.24 0.40% 0.40% 1.77% -2.06% -4.82% MSE Malta [+] 08/08/2025 3,898.87 -0.07% 1.84% 3.27% 2.16% 3.51% SEMDEX [+] 03/28/2025 2,486.75 -1.59% -1.59% -1.70%…
100 pc of households in GCC countries The data released by the Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Countries of the Gulf (GCC-Stat) indicate that the proportion of the population living in households with access to safe drinking water and electricity services reached 100perent, which is higher than the global rate of 91perent. The percentage of education in primary schools adapted for people with disabilities reached 100perent, compared to the global rate of 50perent, while healthcare coverage reached 72perent, compared to the global rate of 68perent (despite variations in rates among GCC countries). GCC is giving young…
CPI Countries Countries Date CPI Interannual Accum. since January United States [+] July 2025 2.7% 2.4% United Kingdom [+] June 2025 3.6% 2.4% Germany [+] July 2025 2.0% 1.4% France [+] July 2025 1.0% 1.4% Japan [+] June 2025 3.2% 0.9% Spain [+] July 2025 2.7% 1.9% Italy [+] March 2025 2.0% 1.2% Portugal [+] July 2025 2.6% 1.7% Greece [+] July 2025 3.1% 1.3% Ireland [+] July 2025 1.7% 1.8% Brazil [+] July 2025 5.1% 3.3% Belarus [+] December 2024 5.2% 0.6% Belize [+] June 2025 1.1% -0.3% Canada [+] June 2025 1.9% 2.0% Switzerland [+] July 2025 0.2%…
China’s economic solidity in 2025 Despite the headwinds facing the world economy, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently raised its global growth forecast for 2025, including a notable upward revision for China. Indeed, China’s economic performance in the first half of this year exceeded expectations: Its GDP grew by 5.3 percent year-on-year — 0.3 percentage points faster than the 2024 pace. Key economic indicators remained stable: unemployment and prices held steady, high-tech output jumped by 9.5 percent, and consumption contributed 52 percent of growth. Given the challenging external conditions, what explains the resilience of the Chinese economy? The following three…
India state-run shipper to buy local vessels in $2 bn deal State-owned Shipping Corp. of India, the country’s largest shipping line, is working on a plan to purchase 26 India-made ships for 198.2 billion rupees ($2.3 billion) as part of a government initiative to boost the domestic shipbuilding industry, according to people familiar with the matter. The ships will have cumulative internal volume of 1.18 million gross tonnes, and delivery will be staggered over several years as they are completed, said the people, who weren’t authorized to speak publicly. It comes amid a wave of orders from other buyers in…
At national parks China releases mandate on natural assets The Ministry of Natural Resources announced the outcome of the unified and confirmed registration of natural resources for the country’s first batch of national parks on Monday. This step clarifies issues around ownership, management responsibilities and ecological boundaries to serve the protection and supervision of natural resources. China declared the establishment of its first batch of national parks — the National Park of Hainan Tropical Rainforest, Wuyishan National Park, Giant Panda National Park, Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park, and Three-River-Source National Park — in 2021, with the aim of…
Turbulent times ahead It turbulent times, the first task of management is to make sure of the institution’s capacity to survive a blow. In turbulent times, the first task of management is to make sure of the institution’s capacity for survival, to make sure of its structural strengths, of its capacity for survival, to make sure of its structural strengths, of its capacity to survive a blow, to adapt to sudden change, and to avail itself of new opportunities. Turbulence, by definition, is irregular, nonlinear, erratic. But its underlying causes can be analyzed, predicted, managed. But its underlying should -…
KSE-100 jumps 50.2%, outperforming Asia’s giants and proving Pakistan’s investor resilience International experts recorded that in 2025 global equity markets have delivered mixed performance so far, with US stocks selling off sharply in April. Meanwhile, European markets have surged because of easing monetary policy from the European Central Bank (ECB), also a rebound in industrial activity across the region. Several of the world’s top performing equity markets are located in Europe. One reason for this is the ECB’s recent rate cut decision, which reduced the three key ECB interest rates by 25 basis points in April. Another reason is rising…
Pakistan strengthens Islamic capital market with 38 new Shariah-compliant securities in FY2025 Statistics showed that the Islamic finance market size in present years has grown rapidly. It will grow from $7.99 billion in 2024 to $8.94 billion in 2025 at CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 11.9 percent. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to demand for Shariah-compliant products and practices, vast oil wealth stimulated fresh interest, the significance of risk-sharing in raising finance, strong investments in halal sectors, and enlarging Islamic banking services. In the next few years, the Islamic finance market size is expected to…
Pakistan Stock Exchange Details FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025 (July-March) Total No. of Listed Companies 532 530 524 524 527 Total Listed Capital (Rs billion) 1,442.64 1,525.90 1,627.17 1,706.20 1,727.39 Total Market Capitalization (Rs billion) 8,297.31 6,956.51 6,369.47 10,374.80 14,374.20 Total Market Capitalization ($ billion) 52.7 34.0 22.26 37.27 51.30 New Companies Listed during the year 5 5 4 11 6 Average Daily Traded Volume-Ready + Futures (Shares in million) 527.5 408.0 273.0 621.0 828.0 Total Volume Traded (In millions) 131,354 101,657 67,199 151,427 155,691 Source: Pakistan Stock Exchange Pakistan: Local Investor’s Portfolio Investment (Lipi)…
Market indicators are a series of technical indicators used by traders to predict the direction of the major financial indexes. Most market indicators are created by analyzing the number of companies that have reached new highs relative to the number that created new lows, also known as market breadth. FINANCIAL MARKET IN PAKISTAN Pakistan: Currency Rate As Per Open Market ( Jul 28, 2025) Currency Symbol Buying Selling Australian Dollar AUD 185.5 190.5 Bahrain Dinar BHD 752.8 762.8 Canadian Dollar CAD 206.5 210.5 China Yuan CNY 39.32 39.72 Danish Krone DKK 44.17 44.57 Euro EUR 334.3 336.3 Hong Kong Dollar…
European stocks rise to 4-month high European shares advanced to a four-month high on Monday, led by gains in auto and pharmaceutical stock, after the EU cinched a trade deal with the US, avoiding a wider trade war ahead of the August 1 deadline. The pan-European STOXX 600 index rose 0.8 percent by 0715 GMT. Most regional bourses were also in the green, with UK’s FTSE 100 adding 0.3 percent, Germany’s blue-chip DAX rising 0.7 percent and France’s CAC 40 gaining 1.1 percent. The trade agreement imposes a 15 percent tariff on most EU goods and requires the EU to…
ASEAN-GCC Axis: the global south’s answer to us volatility? When Gulf leaders touched down in Kuala Lumpur for a summit with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations this May, the ink was barely dry on their massive investment pledges of some US$2 trillion in the United States to placate President Donald Trump. But as the summit doors closed, the senior officials from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) turned their attention eastward, towards forging a pan-Asian economic zone reminiscent of Brics that could shield them and Asean from the unpredictability of Washington’s erratic tariffs and dictates. “The need to diversify trade…
CPI Countries Countries Date CPI Interannual Accum. since January United States [+] June 2025 2.7% 2.2% United Kingdom [+] June 2025 3.6% 2.4% Germany [+] June 2025 2.0% 1.1% France [+] June 2025 0.9% 1.1% Japan [+] June 2025 3.2% 0.9% Spain [+] June 2025 2.3% 2.0% Italy [+] March 2025 2.0% 1.2% Portugal [+] June 2025 2.4% 2.0% Greece [+] June 2025 2.8% 1.7% Ireland [+] June 2025 1.8% 1.7% Andorra [+] June 2025 2.4% 1.4% Armenia [+] April 2025 2.7% 2.5% Angola [+] June 2025 19.7% 8.7% Argentina [+] May 2025 43.5% 13.3% Austria [+] June 2025 3.3%…
China’s GDP grows 5.3pc in h1 Defying all predictions, China’s economy grew by 5.3 percent year-on-year in the first half of 2025, according to preliminary data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), as Beijing rejigged its trade strategy in the wake of US President Donald Trump’s tariff offensive. Beijing stayed ahead of the curve and outmanoeuvred the trade assault by reconfiguring supply chains, broadening its export footprint beyond US markets and shoring up domestic demand to keep growth on track. The overall size of GDP reached 66,053.6 billion yuan ($9.1 trillion), demonstrating China’s resilience despite global economic headwinds.…
Brain drain costs economy $4.2 bn yearly Pakistan, a nation abundant in human capital and youthful energy, has long depended on its diaspora to bolster its economy through remittances. While these inflows provide essential financial relief, they come at a steep price: the loss of skilled professionals, intellectuals, and innovators, a phenomenon widely known as brain drain. It is important to delve into the economic and social costs of brain drain in Pakistan, juxtaposed with the benefits of remittances, and calculate the real opportunity cost of losing talent to foreign economies. Brain drain refers to the emigration of highly educated…
Japanese shipping industry plans donation Three of Japan’s leading shipping companies report they have begun discussions to explore building and donating a new training vessel to the country maritime training program operated by the Japan Agency of Maritime Education and Training for Seafarers (JMETS). Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line), and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (“K” LINE) are exploring the project with The Japanese Shipowners’ Association. Japan faces a growing list of challenges to maintain its maritime industry. The current population of mariners is again, and the industry reports challenges in recruiting a new generation of seafarers.…
Australia’s sugar producers facing mounting global pressures The Australian Sugar Manufacturers (ASM) urged the Federal Government to prioritise food, fibre and fuel manufacturing in its economic reform agenda, highlighting the sector’s role in adding value to agricultural production and driving jobs and investment in regional Australia. “Food and fibre manufacturing is by far the largest component of Australia’s manufacturing sector, and it’s overwhelmingly based in regional Australia,” said Ash Salardini, CEO of ASM. “If we’re serious about having a manufacturing base in this country, we must supercharge these industries and seize emerging opportunities in low-carbon liquid fuels and bioenergy.” Like…
The federal principle Federalism relieves top management from operating duties and sets it free to devote itself to its proper functions. What the enterprise needs is a principle that gives both the center and the parts genuine managerial functions and powers. This principle is federalism, in which the whole of the enterprise is conceived as made up of autonomous units. The federal enterprise and all its units are in the same business. The same economic factors determine the future of the whole as well as of all units; the same basic decisions have to be made for all of them;…
OGRA granted 179 LPG licences, boosting investment, infrastructure and employment nationwide in FY25 Global natural gas demand continued to expand through the 2024/25 heating season, with growth primarily driven through Europe and North America. In 2025, growth in global gas demand is forecast to slow to around 1.5 percent. Asia’s natural gas demand is forecast to expand by just over 2 percent, showing a significant slowdown compared with 2024, when the region’s demand grew by 5.5 percent. Still, Asia is expected to remain the largest contributor to global demand growth, accounting for around one-third of incremental gas demand in this…
Govt enhanced crude oil imports, enabling higher refinery capacity utilisation and rising petroleum exports In the absence of a major disruption, in 2025 oil markets look well supplied. World oil demand is forecast to increase by 720 kb/d this year, marginally below last month’s estimate as weak 2Q25 deliveries in the United States and China undercut resilience elsewhere. Pakistan: Consumption of Petroleum Products (000 MT) Sector FY 2023 FY 2024 July-March FY 2024 July-March FY 2025 Change (%) Domestic 17.95 24.66 18.80 20.18 7.34 Industry 1,126.85 1,076.72 815.32 755.40 -7.35 Agriculture 9.21 14.51 10.16 9.82 -3.35 Transport 13,606.63 13,232.03 9,764.55…
Pakistan: Import of Petroleum Products (Quantity in thousand MT; Value in million US$) Period/ Product FY 2024 July-March FY 2024 July-March FY 2025 Quantity Value (C&F) Quantity Value (C&F) Quantity Value (C&F) MS 4,787.41 4,234.10 3,577.32 3,199.55 3,981.22 3,035.30 Crude Oil 8,331.08 5,479.95 6,214.22 4,090.06 6,763.12 4,109.12 HOBC 24.59 22.1 17.83 16.25 144.44 108.40 HSD 1,709.28 1,417.0 1,233.53 1,050.27 1,447.54 1,005.40 100/LL – – – – 0.24 0.50 JP-1 152.83 130.60 98.24 85.51 195.67 143.10 Total 15,005.19 11,283.75 11,141.14 8,441.64 12,532.23 8,401.82 Commercial Energy Consumption Oil/Petroleum (tons) Fiscal Year Households Industry Agriculture Transport Power Other Govt. Total 2010-11 85,449 1,355,443…
Market indicators are a series of technical indicators used by traders to predict the direction of the major financial indexes. Most market indicators are created by analyzing the number of companies that have reached new highs relative to the number that created new lows, also known as market breadth. FINANCIAL MARKET IN PAKISTAN Pakistan: Currency Rate As Per Open Market ( Jul 11, 2025) Currency Symbol Buying Selling Australian Dollar AUD 187.5 192.5 Bahrain Dinar BHD 759.65 769.65 Canadian Dollar CAD 210 215 China Yuan CNY 39.19 39.59 Danish Krone DKK 44.27 44.67 Euro EUR 335.5 339 Hong Kong Dollar…
Gulf markets show mixed reaction Major stock markets in the Gulf were mixed in early trade on Thursday, as investors weighed the potential impact of US President Donald Trump’s tariffs on global economic growth. Trump escalated his tariff campaign on Wednesday, announcing a 50 percent tariff on US copper imports and a 50 percent duty on goods from Brazil, both effective on August 1. Trump also issued tariff notices for seven minor trading partners, adding to 14 others issued earlier in the week, including 25 percent levies on imports from South Korea and Japan, set to take effect on August…
Stock Market Indexes Details Date Level Ch. This Week ch. Mon. ch. Ann. ch. YTD ICEX [+] 07/08/2025 2,100.21 -0.05% 0.11% -6.02% 4.66% -12.08% NIFTY [+] 07/08/2025 25,522.50 0.24% 0.24% 2.08% 4.94% 7.83% JCI Jakarta [+] 07/08/2025 6,904.39 0.05% 0.57% -2.94% -4.54% -2.48% TA-35 [+] 07/08/2025 3,016.50 -0.39% -0.37% 10.30% 47.40% 25.95% ASE Amman [+] 07/08/2025 2,835.59 0.69% 0.49% 6.12% 18.10% 13.94% KASE [+] 07/09/2025 6,160.34 0.56% 0.77% 8.32% 17.17% 10.44% KSW Kuwait [+] 07/08/2025 9,211.57 0.20% 0.74% 4.04% 19.76% 17.51% KSE Kyrgyz [+] 07/08/2025 6,635.00 0 0 37.25% 77.52% 62.86% LSX Index [+] 07/08/2025 1,345.42 1.92% 2.61% 16.98% 26.87%…
CPI Countries Countries Date CPI Interannual Accum. since January United States [+] May 2025 2.4% 1.9% United Kingdom [+] May 2025 3.4% 2.1% Germany [+] May 2025 2.1% 1.1% France [+] June 2025 0.9% 1.1% Japan [+] May 2025 3.4% 1.0% Spain [+] June 2025 2.2% 2.0% Italy [+] March 2025 2.0% 1.2% Portugal [+] May 2025 2.3% 1.9% Greece [+] May 2025 2.5% 0.9% Ireland [+] May 2025 1.7% 1.1% Andorra [+] May 2025 2.0% 1.2% Armenia [+] April 2025 2.7% 2.5% Angola [+] May 2025 20.7% 7.4% Argentina [+] May 2025 43.5% 13.3% Austria [+] May 2025 3.0%…
China economy to top $19.5 trillion this year: planner The size of China’s economy will exceed 140 trillion yuan ($19.5 trillion) this year, the head of the state planner said as policymakers look to steer the country beyond the current five-year policy plan, which concludes at the end of 2025. The world’s second-largest economy is grappling with a prolonged trade war with the United States and persistent deflationary pressures. “Looking back at the 14th five-year plan period, the challenges encountered were greater than expected, but the achievements exceeded expectations,” Zheng Shanjie, chair of the National Development and Reform Commission, said…
Chinese yards dominate Privately market experts have said that the container shipping industry is heading for a “catastrophic decline”, if, as expected, market fundamentals continue to align in the way that they have been shaping up this year. In effect renewed vessel orders, 288 percent up year-on-year in the first half of this year, and a limited growth in demand under 5 percent has only been tempered by the Middle East crisis and the Cape of Good Hope vessel diversions, according to Veson Nautical’s Mid-Year Market Report, released on 9 July. Actual deliveries and capacity growth has been absorbed by…
Indonesia tariff negotiator to meet Howard in US, aims to tout natural resources Indonesia will highlight its strategic importance in global trade, especially its natural resources, as it forges ahead with negotiations to try to reduce a 32 percent tariff imposed by the United States, a government official said on Wednesday. Indonesia’s chief economic minister Airlangga Hartarto, who leads the negotiation team, is scheduled to meet with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and other officials, spokesperson for the economic ministry Haryo Limanseto said, without providing a timeframe. Indonesia’s 32 percent tariff will be imposed by the…
Harmonize the immediate long-range future A manager must, so to speak, keep his nose to the grindstone while lifting his eyes to the hills-quite an acrobat feat. A manager has two specific tasks. The first is creation of a true whole that is larger than the sum of its parts, a productive e more than the sum of the resources put into it. The second specific task of the manager is to harmonize in every decision and actions the requirements of the immediate and of the long-range future. A manager cannot sacrifice either without endangering the enterprise. If a manager…
Textile production and consumption cause climate pressures, requiring circular business models and policy support Textile Industry International researchers record that the worldwide textile industry is a massive sector with a market size estimated at USD 1,837.27 billion in 2023, projected to reach USD 3,047.23 billion by 2030. The industry is experiencing significant growth, with a projected CAGR of 7.4 percent between 2024 and 2030. It’s a key part of the world economy, driven through production and consumption centers in Asia, Europe, and North America. China, India, and Bangladesh are major players in textile production and export. Pakistan: Production and Export…
Global cement market to hit $686.41 billion as Asia Pacific leads growth International statistics showed that the global cement market size in 2023 was valued at USD 491.80 billion. The market was projected to grow from USD 505.97 billion in 2024 to USD 686.41 billion by 2032, showing a CAGR of 3.9 percent during the forecast period. In 2023 Asia Pacific dominated the cement market with a market share of 62.54 percent. Moreover, the cement market size in the US is projected to grow significantly; reaching an estimated value of USD 17.71 billion by 2032, driven by adoption of modern…
Pakistan’s External Debt Servicing -Principal (Million US $ ) ITEM Jul-Sep 24 Oct-Dec 24 (R) Jan-Mar 25 (P) 1. Public debt (a+b+c) 1,887 2,243 1,307 a. Government debt 1,470 1,840 936 Paris club 38 588 36 Multilateral 470 524 443 Other Bilateral 489 346 69 Euro/Sukuk global bonds 0 0 0 Local Currency Securities (PIBs) 0 0 0 Military 0 0 0 Commercial loans /credits 200 0 0 Saudi fund for development (SFD) 0 0 0 NBP/BOC deposits/NPC 273 382 388 b. To IMF 417 402 371 i. Federal government 247 206 244 ii. Central bank 169 197 128 c.…
Market indicators are a series of technical indicators used by traders to predict the direction of the major financial indexes. Most market indicators are created by analyzing the number of companies that have reached new highs relative to the number that created new lows, also known as market breadth. FINANCIAL MARKET IN PAKISTAN Pakistan: Currency Rate as per Open Market (Jun 27, 2025) Currency Symbol Buying Selling Australian Dollar AUD 185.5 190.5 Bahrain Dinar BHD 755.5 764.55 Canadian Dollar CAD 208 213 China Yuan CNY 39.19 39.59 Danish Krone DKK 43.36 43.76 Euro EUR 333.5 335.5 Hong Kong Dollar HKD…
Asia shares hit over three year high Asia shares hit their highest level in more than three years on Friday as they tracked a Wall Street rally, but the U.S. dollar struggled on concerns about the Federal Reserve’s independence and expectations for early rate cuts. Stock indexes worldwide look set to end the week on a positive note, with worries about tensions in the Middle East and uncertainty over tariffs and trade deals on the backburner for now. MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan hit its highest level since November 2021 early in the session, while the gauge…
Stock Market Indexes Details Date Level Ch. This Week ch. Mon. ch. Ann. ch. YTD HANG SENG [+] 06/25/2025 24,474.67 1.23% 4.01% 3.70% 35.42% 22.01% BUX [+] 06/25/2025 97,837.36 -0.12% -0.73% 2.53% 38.49% 23.33% ICEX [+] 06/25/2025 2,071.56 -0.19% 1.07% -3.87% 1.39% -13.28% NIFTY [+] 06/25/2025 25,244.75 0.80% 0.53% 1.58% 6.42% 6.66% JCI Jakarta [+] 06/25/2025 6,832.14 -0.54% -1.09% -5.30% -0.73% -3.50% TA-35 [+] 06/25/2025 2,928.35 1.80% 3.32% 12.90% 48.71% 22.27% ASE Amman [+] 06/25/2025 2,714.52 0.76% 2.80% 2.41% 13.17% 9.07% KASE [+] 06/26/2025 5,956.74 -0.23% -0.59% 5.64% 16.63% 6.79% FBMKLCI [+] 06/25/2025 1,519.79 0.36% 1.13% -1.02% -4.14% -7.46% MSE…
UAE joins Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman in advancing GCC railway network The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries—Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Oman—have long been planning the development of an integrated railway network that will span over 2,177 kilometers across the region. The ambitious project, known as the GCC Railway Project, aims to revolutionize transportation and connectivity within the region, enabling faster movement of both passengers and goods. As the railway development enters a crucial phase, 2025 marks a year of significant progress and achievements. In this article, we explore the key…
CPI Countries Countries Date CPI Interannual Accum. since January United States [+] May 2025 2.4% 1.9% United Kingdom [+] May 2025 3.4% 2.1% Germany [+] May 2025 2.1% 1.1% France [+] May 2025 0.7% 0.8% Japan [+] May 2025 3.4% 1.0% Spain [+] May 2025 2.0% 1.3% Italy [+] March 2025 2.0% 1.2% Portugal [+] May 2025 2.3% 1.9% Greece [+] May 2025 2.5% 0.9% Ireland [+] May 2025 1.7% 1.1% Andorra [+] May 2025 2.0% 1.2% Armenia [+] April 2025 2.7% 2.5% Angola [+] May 2025 20.7% 7.4% Argentina [+] May 2025 43.5% 13.3% Austria [+] May 2025 3.0%…
Shaping Nepal’s green and inclusive future Nepal’s climate-vulnerable economy, heavily reliant on agriculture, tourism, construction, and forestry, is already grappling with the impacts of climate change such as droughts, heavy rainfall, floods, glacial melting, and heatwaves. These disruptions together with inadequate social protection mechanisms are threatening livelihoods, food security, and employment, disproportionately affecting informal workers, rural communities, and women, while worsening poverty and inequality. Despite these challenges, the transition toward a greener and more climate-resilient economy presents a vital opportunity to create decent jobs, foster sustainable enterprise development, and strengthen social protection systems. However, this shift must be managed inclusively…
Pakistan invites US companies Pakistan has invited US companies to explore the potential of public-private partnerships and joint ventures in the mining sector, which is enriched with vast mineral resources. “With one of the world’s largest undeveloped copper and gold deposits at Reko Diq and a strong commitment to economic reforms, this is the right time for US investors to explore and engage,” US Charge d’Affaires Natalie Baker stated while addressing a webinar. The government of Pakistan, in collaboration with the US embassy, hosted a high-level webinar titled “Opportunities in Pakistan’s Mining Sector – Unlocking Mineral Potential,” aimed at promoting…
Maritime shipping is a crucial component of global trade, handling over 80 percent of the world’s trade by volume. In 2023, global maritime trade reached 12.3 billion tons, rebounding from a contraction in 2022. Projections indicate continued growth, with an expected 2 percent increase in 2024 and an average of 2.4 percent annually through 2029. Maritime shipping moves an estimated 11 billion tons of goods annually, representing over 80 percent of world trade by volume. In 2021, the total value of global merchandise trade was $28.5 trillion, with maritime shipping playing a significant role in this exchange. After a contraction…
Latest global index proposed to manage natural resources more sustainable The global decline of nature is increasingly being felt all around the world. Conventional efforts to address this decline are not only failing to turn the tide, but are also contributing to political polarisation, green grabbing, and ecoanxiety, making it even harder to inspire the widespread societal collaboration needed to make a difference. An international collaboration of conservation, environment, and human development experts and practitioners led by the United Nations Development Program’s Human Development Report Office (UNDP-HDRO) proposes a new way for countries to measure and improve their relationships with…
Controls for non measurable events A balance between the measurable and the non measurable is a central and constant problem of management. Business, like any other institution, has important results that are incapable of being measured. Any experienced executive know companies or industries that are bound for extinction because they cannot attract or hold able people. This, every experienced executive also knows, is a more important fact about a company or an industry that last year’s profit statement. Yet the statement cannot be defined clearly let alone “quantified.” It is anything but “intangible”; it is very “tangible” indeed. It is…
Livestock, fisheries, and forestry growth highlight agriculture’s role in economic resilience and sustainability The Government of Pakistan announced that the Pakistan’s agriculture sector continues to play a pivotal role in economic resilience and rural livelihood, contributing 23.5 percent to GDP and employing over 37 percent of the labour force. Despite climatic challenges during the current year, the agriculture sector has shown resilience, especially through sustained growth in livestock. In FY 2025, the sector registered growth of 0.56 percent, primarily led by a 4.72 percent rise in livestock, despite diverse challenges. Other major contributing sub-sectors include fisheries and forestry, which grew…
Structural issues, input costs, and taxes continue to weigh on LSM sector growth Presently, the Government of Pakistan mentioned in the economic report that the trajectory of LSM (Large scale manufacturing) during July-March FY2025 stayed subdued, with a contraction of 1.47 percent as compared to a contraction of 0.22 percent in the same period last year. Despite visible signs of stabilization in major macroeconomic indicators, the recovery in industrial output has been uneven and slower than anticipated. LSM trend reflects persistent structural and cost-side issues that continue to weigh on LSM. High input costs, and elevated tax rates, continued to…
Pakistan budget for 2025-26 highlights* The government of Pakistan presented the budget for FY2025-26, targeting a modest 4.2 percent growth for FY26, compared to 2.7 percent expected in the outgoing FY2025. Growth targeted at 4.2 percent in FY2026 Inflation expected at 7.5 percent in coming fiscal year Total outlay targeted at Rs17.6 trillion, down 7 percent or Rs1.3 trillion as compared to Rs18.9 trillion budgeted outlay of FY2026 FBR revenue projected at Rs14.13 trillion, up 18.7 percent from outgoing fiscal year Budget deficit proposed at 3.9 percent and primary surplus at 2.4 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) Federal non-tax…
Market indicators are a series of technical indicators used by traders to predict the direction of the major financial indexes. Most market indicators are created by analyzing the number of companies that have reached new highs relative to the number that created new lows, also known as market breadth. FINANCIAL MARKET IN PAKISTAN Pakistan: Currency Rate As Per Open Market ( June 16, 2025) Currency Symbol Buying Selling Australian Dollar AUD 181.5 185.5 Bahrain Dinar BHD 747.5 756.5 Canadian Dollar CAD 205.5 210 China Yuan CNY 38.85 39.25 Danish Krone DKK 42.23 42.63 Euro EUR 326.35 330 Hong Kong Dollar…
Key Gulf markets rebound amid Iran-Israel conflict Key stock markets in the Gulf rose in early trade on Monday, recovering some of their losses from previous sessions when they were rattled by the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. Saudi Arabia’s benchmark index gained 1.2 percent, led by a 1.9 percent rise in Al Rajhi Bank and a 3.2 percent increase in Saudi Arabian Mining Company. The index had fallen 1 percent on Sunday. Oil prices – a catalyst for the Gulf’s financial markets -were volatile, after surging 7 percent on Friday, as renewed strikes by Israel and Iran over…
Stock Market Indexes Details Date Level Ch. This Week ch. Mon. ch. Ann. ch. YTD CR Indice Accionario [+] 06/13/2025 11,895.21 0 0.00% 0.01% 0.01% 0.01% CROBEX [+] 06/13/2025 3,460.52 -0.85% -1.02% 1.11% 23.25% 8.44% CSE [+] 06/12/2025 245.58 0.02% 0.61% 0.46% 49.43% 14.74% PX [+] 06/13/2025 2,147.85 -0.02% -1.01% -0.79% 40.28% 22.03% OMXC20 [+] 06/13/2025 1,933.54 -0.71% 2.59% 10.98% -32.48% -8.03% EGX30 [+] 06/16/2025 31,092.50 -4.37% -4.37% -2.66% 17.70% 4.55% OMX Tallinn [+] 06/16/2025 2,071.21 -0.25% -0.25% 2.46% 16.85% 19.52% SPX Fiji [+] 06/16/2025 9,257.09 -0.18% -0.18% -0.12% 5.60% 0.08% OMX25 [+] 06/13/2025 4,721.89 -1.31% -1.04% 0.58% 3.35% 9.41%…
CPI Countries Countries Date CPI Interannual Accum. since January United States [+] May 2025 2.4% 1.9% United Kingdom [+] April 2025 3.5% 1.9% Germany [+] May 2025 2.1% 1.1% France [+] May 2025 0.7% 0.8% Japan [+] April 2025 3.5% 0.7% Spain [+] May 2025 2.0% 1.3% Italy [+] March 2025 2.0% 1.2% Portugal [+] May 2025 2.3% 1.9% Greece [+] May 2025 2.5% 0.9% Ireland [+] May 2025 1.7% 1.1% Andorra [+] April 2025 2.2% 1.3% Armenia [+] April 2025 2.7% 2.5% Angola [+] May 2025 20.7% 7.4% Argentina [+] May 2025 43.5% 13.3% Austria [+] April 2025 3.2%…
Bangladesh’s economy at risk The intensifying Iran-Israel conflict has created ripples across the globe, affecting economies far removed from the battle zones. Bangladesh is no exception. While oil prices rise amid instability in the Middle East and key sea routes such as the Suez Canal and Strait of Hormuz become insecure, Bangladesh is confronted with multiple economic stresses, from inflation and crippling import bills to declining remittances and strained foreign reserves. The most immediate concern is rising oil prices. Bangladesh, which imports most of its crude oil from the Gulf states, is especially vulnerable. Higher fuel prices feed directly into…
Environmental Campaigners Call for End to Antarctic Krill Fishing Environmental campaigners and scientists are renewing their push for a ban on industrial krill fishing in order to protect the ecosystem of the Antarctica Ocean. New evidence suggests that the emperor penguin populations in the Southern Ocean are declining faster than thought, and the decline could be linked to krill. At the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC 3) in Nice, France, the campaigners – led by National Geographic ocean explorer and conservationist Sylvia Earle, actor Benedict Cumberbatch, Captain Paul Watson, filmmaker Andy Mann, and the Bob Brown Foundation (BBF) put out a…
OPEC+ would struggle to cover main Iranian oil supply disruption Oil market participants have switched to dreading a shortage in fuel from focusing on impending oversupply in just two days this week. After Israel attacked Iran and Tehran pledged to retaliate, oil prices jumped as much as 13 percent to their highest since January as investors price in an increased probability of a major disruption in Middle East oil supplies. Part of the reason for the rapid spike is that spare capacity among OPEC and allies to pump more oil to offset any disruption is roughly equivalent to Iran’s output,…
Controls, control, and management The probability of an event’s being meaningful is a much more important datum than the event itself. We are rapidly acquiring great capacity to design controls in business and in other social institutions, based on a great improvement in techniques, especially the ability to process and analyze large masses of data very fast. What does this mean for “control”? Especially, what are the requirements for these greatly improved controls to give better control to management? For, in the task of a manager, controls are purely a means to an end; the end is control. If we…
Pakistan’s economy shows signs of recovery, with Moody’s forecasting 3 percent growth. International experts recorded that the global banking sector is a multifaceted and diverse sector, with a mix of large multinational institutions, regional banks, and smaller community banks serving various markets. In recent decades, this sector has undergone significant transformations, driven by technological advancements, globalization, and changing regulatory environments. Statistics showed in 2024, banks had revenues or income of Rs 2.46 trillion. This was divided into two parts: net interest income, which was Rs 1.9 trillion, and non-net interest income, which was Rs 560 billion. Total Deposits Of Scheduled…
Pakistan must turn its large youth population into a workforce for sustainable economic growth The United Nations has reported that the world’s population is projected to continue growing for the next 50 to 60 years, peaking at approximately 10.3 billion by the mid-2080s. After reaching this peak, it is expected to gradually decline to around 10.2 billion by the end of the century. Currently, one in four people lives in a country where the population has already peaked. Fertility rates are declining, with women bearing, on average, one child fewer than in 1990, resulting in a global fertility rate of…
Pakistan: Workers’ Remittances (Million US Dollars) Country Sep-24 Oct-24 Nov-24 Dec-24 Jan-25 Feb-25 Mar-25R Apr-25 1. USA 277.7 301.2 288.2 303.9 299.2 309.6 420.1 302.4 2. U.K. 424.1 429.8 409.9 438.0 443.6 496.5 683.8 535.3 3. Saudi Arabia 683.8 766.8 729.2 770.6 728.3 744.4 985.8 725.4 4. U.A.E. 562.7 620.9 619.4 631.5 621.5 657.1 841.9 657.6 Dubai 450.5 493.9 476.1 466.4 498.4 556.1 664.9 492.9 Abu Dhabi 105.7 118.2 136.0 154.2 112.6 91.4 150.9 146.6 Sharjah 2.5 2.7 2.1 4.7 4.2 4.0 13.5 10.4 Others 4.0 6.0 5.2 6.2 6.3 5.5 12.7 7.6 5. Other GCC Countries 291.8 320.2 303.0 310.1…
Market indicators are a series of technical indicators used by traders to predict the direction of the major financial indexes. Most market indicators are created by analyzing the number of companies that have reached new highs relative to the number that created new lows, also known as market breadth. FINANCIAL MARKET IN PAKISTAN Pakistan: Currency Rate As Per Open Market (May 22, 2025) Currency Symbol Buying Selling Australian Dollar AUD 184.75 187 Bahrain Dinar BHD 752.25 760.25 Canadian Dollar CAD 207.1 209.5 China Yuan CNY 37.59 37.99 Danish Krone DKK 42.45 42.85 Euro EUR 320.05 322.8 Hong Kong Dollar HKD…
Saudi Arabia’s share index sees worst session Saudi Arabia’s benchmark stock index logged its worst session in six weeks, ending the day 1.2 percent lower, while most other major Gulf markets also closed in the red, as investors worried about mounting fiscal pressures in major economies. Moody’s recent downgrade of the U.S. credit rating has shaken investor confidence, especially amid concerns that President Donald Trump’s proposed tax cuts could add $3 trillion–$5 trillion to the existing $36 trillion debt. Persistent trade deadlocks and pressure from key partners to ease tariffs have only deepened the unease. External pressures dampened regional market…
Stock Market Indexes Details Date Level Ch. This Week ch. Mon. ch. Ann. ch. YTD BUX [+] 05/19/2025 96,394.92 -0.69% -0.69% 10.72% 41.57% 21.52% ICEX [+] 05/19/2025 2,161.03 -0.63% -0.63% 6.81% 3.92% -9.53% NIFTY [+] 05/19/2025 24,945.45 -0.30% -0.30% 4.59% 10.86% 5.39% JCI Jakarta [+] 05/19/2025 7,141.09 0.49% 0.49% 10.92% -2.41% 0.86% TA-35 [+] 05/19/2025 2,648.57 0.72% 0.72% 6.35% 35.16% 10.59% ASE Amman [+] 05/19/2025 2,648.73 -0.06% -0.06% 4.31% 10.86% 6.43% KASE [+] 05/20/2025 5,693.60 0.27% 0.80% 2.30% 11.46% 2.07% KSW Kuwait [+] 05/19/2025 8,707.92 -0.31% -0.31% 3.42% 11.01% 11.09% KSE Kyrgyz [+] 05/19/2025 4,887.92 0 0 0.48% 43.61% 19.98%…
Trump talks business on GCC tour The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region concluded an eventful week as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE hosted President Trump on his first major foreign trip since re-assuming office, underscoring an enduring strategic partnership. In the context of heightened global trade tensions, trade and investment deals took centre stage. As indicated in White House fact sheets, Trump mobilised just over $1trn of investments for the US, spanning several industries including civil engineering and defence. Although there is a lot of uncertainty over specifics, the announcements mark significant investment, consistent with the region’s growth and…
CPI Countries Countries Date CPI Interannual Accum. since January United States [+] April 2025 2.3% 1.6% United Kingdom [+] March 2025 2.6% 0.7% Germany [+] April 2025 2.1% 1.0% France [+] April 2025 0.8% 0.9% Japan [+] March 2025 3.6% 0.4% Spain [+] April 2025 2.2% 1.3% Italy [+] March 2025 2.0% 1.2% Portugal [+] April 2025 2.1% 1.6% Greece [+] April 2025 2.0% 0.7% Ireland [+] April 2025 2.2% 1.2% Andorra [+] April 2025 2.2% 1.3% Armenia [+] April 2025 2.7% 2.5% Angola [+] April 2025 22.3% 6.1% Argentina [+] April 2025 47.3% 11.6% Austria [+] March 2025 2.9%…
China’s economy withstands pressure, maintains stable growth in April According to the National Bureau of Statistics, China’s economy is showing stable growth despite external pressures. Wang Siwen has more on the Bureau’s latest report on national economic performance. China’s economy withstood pressure and maintained stable growth in April. FU LINGHUI Spokesperson National Bureau of Statistics “The national economy maintained stable growth despite pressure, sustaining the new and positive development momentum.” The Index of Services Production increased by 6.0 percent, and retail sales of consumer goods climbed 5.1 percent year on year, reflecting a continued recovery in domestic demand. China’s CPI…
Government to develop national GI protection strategy Pakistan is working to establish a dedicated Geographical Indications (GI) Registry and is developing a National Geographical Indications Protection Strategy to guide the expansion and protection of GI products both domestically and internationally. Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, shared these plans during the National Conference on Geographical Indications Awareness, jointly organised by the Ministry of Commerce and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to promoting and institutionalising its geographical indications regime. Delivering the keynote address, the minister said GIs are more than intellectual property tools—they are powerful…