Author: S. Kamal Hayder Kazmi

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…

EU Begins Planning a New Strategy Last week, shipping ministers from EU member states gathered in Szczecin, Poland to lay out a strategy for boosting the competitiveness of European shipbuilding and shipping in the face of ever-rising competition from Asia. During the “informal” meeting, the ministers talked through the possibilities for a future EU maritime industrial strategy, taking into account political and market factors. The conference concluded with a joint declaration by member states, which received welcome approval from EU shipbuilders and shipowners. “The Szczecin Declaration is a pivotal moment for Europe’s maritime industries, especially for the maritime manufacturing industry,…

Our Exploration and Production operations: Oil and Gas According to the Net Zero scenario put forward by the International Energy Agency (IEA), hydrocarbons are set to account for half of the world’s energy needs in 2030, and will decrease below 20 percent in 2050. Natural gas is genuinely a transition energy that allows for the ramp up of renewables and provides sustainable fuels in the mobility sector (natural gas for vehicles, marine LNG, etc.). Hence, it plays its full role in our strategy to meet global energy needs. As a multi-energy company present across the entire oil and gas value…

Managing oneself: what to contribute? Successful careers are not the products of luck or planning; they are built by people who are able to seize those opportunities that match their own strengths. Now that you have identified your strengths and work style you can begin to look for the right opportunities. These are the assignments that will enable you to use your strength, match your work style, and fit within your personal value system. They are also the assignments that help you to make the right contribution. But you first have to decide what your contribution should be. Figuring out…

Pakistan’s insurance industry eyes transformation with tech-driven strategies and renewed government support Experts revealed that the Insurance is a fundamental component of economy and society. It underpins progress and assists power humanity forward more securely. However, the risk-averse nature of insurers’ cultures and their focus on underwriting margins and solvency have generally reinforced a restrained pace in terms of its own innovation and modernization. This has often resulted in unsustainable or non-optimal strategies to respond to less predictable spikes or dips in specific business lines and profitability. Active Borrowers, Active Savers, And Active Policyholders Details Micro-Credit Micro-Savings Micro-Insurance Active Borrowers…

Extreme weather events caused $4.2 trillion losses and killed 765,000+ people globally Pakistan ranks among most affected countries by climate change, floods, and extreme weather events The years 2023 and 2024 have shattered global temperature records, international experts analyzed. Last year was the warmest year on record, with a global average of 1.45°C (± 0.12°C) warmer than the 1850–1900 pre-industrial level. This trend has continued into 2024, with each month from June 2023 to June 2024 setting a new average temperature record for the respective month. Global sea surface temperatures set new records for 14 consecutive months (April 2023–May 2024).…

Life Insurance Statistics, Trends & Facts (2025) Key Life Insurance Statistics: Our Top Picks The global life insurance market was valued at $3.1 trillion in 2024. Hong Kong has the highest life insurance ownership rate globally at 79 percent. In both Hong Kong and India, 91percent of people believe life insurance is essential. 52percent of individuals cite cost as the main barrier to purchasing a life insurance policy. 72 percent of people overestimate the cost of basic life insurance coverage. How many people feel underinsured? 42percent of American adults say they need more life insurance or don’t have enough coverage.…

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 08 2025) Currency Symbol Buying Selling Australian Dollar AUD 182.75 185 Bahrain Dinar BHD 737.4 745.4 Canadian Dollar CAD 202.6 205 China Yuan CNY 37.59 37.99 Danish Krone DKK 42.25 42.65 Euro EUR 318.75 321.5 Hong Kong Dollar HKD…

Stock Market Indexes Date Level Ch. This Week ch. Mon. ch. Ann. ch. YTD KSE Kyrgyz [+] 05/05/2025 4,808.29 0 0 -0.29% 45.41% 18.03% LSX Index [+] 05/05/2025 1,113.05 -0.52% -0.52% -1.24% 2.72% -3.22% OMX Riga [+] 05/06/2025 870.76 0.32% 0.32% 0.10% -33.02% 0.17% OMX Vilnius [+] 05/06/2025 1,183.98 0.46% 1.44% 2.90% 21.91% 11.12% LuxX [+] 05/05/2025 1,483.82 1.65% 1.65% 6.72% 6.92% 13.80% FBMKLCI [+] 05/05/2025 1,539.54 -0.19% -0.19% 2.35% -3.15% -6.26% MSE Malta [+] 05/02/2025 3,842.58 0.51% -0.71% -2.57% 1.71% 2.01% SEMDEX [+] 03/28/2025 2,486.75 -1.59% -1.59% -1.70% 17.07% 3.71% IPC MEXBOL [+] 05/05/2025 55,835.99 0.04% 0.04% 8.52% -2.27%…

CPI Countries Countries Date CPI Interannual Accum. since January United States [+] March 2025 2.4% 1.3% United Kingdom [+] March 2025 2.6% 0.7% Germany [+] March 2025 2.2% 0.6% 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 [+] March 2025 1.9% 0.9% Greece [+] March 2025 2.4% 0.7% Ireland [+] March 2025 2.0% 0.7% Andorra [+] March 2025 2.1% 0.8% Armenia [+] March 2025 2.5% 2.0% Angola [+] March 2025 23.9% 4.7% Argentina [+] March 2025 55.9% 8.6% Austria [+] March 2025 2.9%…

In q1 2025, Indonesian economy under pressure, growth slows to 4.87pc Indonesia’s economy opened 2025 facing mounting domestic and international challenges, with growth slowing to 4.87 percent in the first quarter (Q1) − down from 5.11 percent in the same period last year. According to Syafruddin Karimi, an economist at the Department of Economics, State Andalas University, this slowdown reflects structural pressures that demand bold and strategic policy reforms. “The country can no longer rely on government spending and global markets alone,” Karimi said on Monday, May 5, 2025. Domestically, the government’s early-year fiscal efficiency measures − including cuts to…

Iranian arms ship makes northbound transit A sanctioned Iranian cargo vessel, which in the past is likely to have been involved with shipping arms to Syria, has just completed a northerly passage up the Red Sea. The Iranian-owned cargo vessel Elyana (IMO: 9165827) was located on May 3, underway and entering the southern end of the Suez Canal. As of the end of the day on Saturday, the AIS signal shows it has completed the Suez Canal transit. The 15,670 GT vessel set off from the Bandar Abbas commercial port on April 18, making a port call in Jebel Ali,…

European Union’s pulses market to reach 6.6m tons and $6.3b by 2035 The European Union pulses market is anticipated to see a steady rise in consumption over the period from 2024 to 2035, with a forecasted CAGR of +1.4 percent in volume and +2.9 percent in value. By the end of 2035, market volume is expected to reach 6.6M tons, with a projected value of $6.3 billion in nominal prices. Market Forecast Driven by increasing demand for pulses in the European Union, the market is expected to continue an upward consumption trend over the next decade. Market performance is forecast…

Resource-Allocation Decisions The allocation of capital and people determine whether the organization will do well or poorly. The allocation of capital and performing people converts into action all that management knows about its business – they determine whether the organization will do well or well or poorly. An organization should allocate human resources as purposefully and as thoughtfully as it allocates capital. To understand a capital investment, a company has to look at four measures: return on investment, payback period, cash flow, and discounted present value. Each of these four measures tells the executive something different about a prospective capital…

Despite a sharp March dip, cumulative FDI still rose by 14 per cent this year Policymakers in both developing and advanced economies agree that foreign direct investment (FDI) is a key element of a successful development strategy. There is no doubt that FDI plays an increasingly significant role in the development of capital-deficient developing countries. This is because it is not only a stable source of foreign inflows, but it also assists in technological transfer and employment generation. FDI offers a viable way for developing countries to increase their savings and achieve economic growth. FDI In Pakistan ($ Million) Country…

With sustainable practices and global ties, Sialkot’s sports goods industry eyes billion-dollar growth trajectory In Pakistan, Sialkot city is a major hub for sports goods manufacturing, particularly for hockey sticks and footballs. Its industrial significance is profound, as the city holds a stellar global reputation as a supplier of sports goods, surgical instruments, medical equipment, leather garments, gloves, and sportswear to leading international brands. Experts emphasise that Sialkot’s contribution to geographically diverse markets highlights its potential for further growth. Pakistan: Export receipts by sports goods (thousand US dollar) Commodity Jul-Jun Mar ( R) Feb ( R) Mar ( P) Jul-Mar…

Pakistan Super League Team City Owner Home ground Founded Islamabad United Islamabad Leonine Global Sports Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi 2015 Karachi Kings Karachi Salman Iqbal National Stadium, Karachi 2015 Lahore Qalandars Lahore Fawad Rana Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 2015 Multan Sultans Multan Ali Tareen Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan 2017 Peshawar Zalmi Peshawar Javed Afridi Arbab Niaz Stadium, Peshawar 2015 Quetta Gladiators Quetta Nadeem Omar Bugti Stadium, Quetta 2015 PSL: Team Results Season 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 (No. of teams) (5) (5) (6) (6) (6) (6) (6) (6) (6) Hosts(s)Teams UAE UAEPakistan UAEPakistan UAEPakistan Pakistan PakistanUAE Pakistan…

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 ( Apr 24, 2025) Currency Symbol Buying Selling Australian Dollar AUD 180.75 183 Bahrain Dinar BHD 741.3 749.3 Canadian Dollar CAD 201 206 China Yuan CNY 37.59 37.99 Danish Krone DKK 42.42 42.82 Euro EUR 322.65 325.4 Hong Kong Dollar…

China shares drift China stock drifted and Hong Kong shares fell on Thursday as Washington signalled a willingness to lower tariffs against China, but ruled out unilateral moves, bewildering investors over how the damaging Sino-US trade war will evolve. China’s blue-chip CSI300 Index and the Shanghai Composite Index both erased early gains to end the morning session down 0.1 percent. Sovereign Ratings Details Moody’s ratings [+] S&P ratings [+] Fitch ratings [+] United States [+] Aaa AA+ AAA United Kingdom [+] Aa3 AA AA- Germany [+] Aaa AAA AAA France [+] Aa3 AA- AA- Japan [+] A1 A+ A Spain…

Stock Market Indexes Details Date Level Ch. This Week ch. Mon. ch. Ann. ch. YTD JCI Jakarta [+] 04/21/2025 6,445.97 0.12% 0.12% 3.00% -9.05% -8.95% TA-35 [+] 04/21/2025 2,461.08 -1.18% -1.18% -1.62% 27.26% 2.76% ASE Amman [+] 04/21/2025 2,515.85 -0.30% -0.30% -4.12% 2.77% 1.09% KASE [+] 04/22/2025 5,570.30 0.02% 0.08% -1.45% 13.12% -0.14% KSW Kuwait [+] 04/21/2025 8,423.07 -0.05% -0.05% -1.45% 9.23% 7.45% KSE Kyrgyz [+] 04/21/2025 4,864.49 0 0 0.83% 51.24% 19.41% LSX Index [+] 04/21/2025 1,105.31 -0.42% -0.42% -0.47% 1.26% -3.89% IPC MEXBOL [+] 04/21/2025 53,758.75 1.40% 1.40% 2.06% -3.77% 8.50% MSE TOP-20 [+] 04/21/2025 48,177.15 1.27% 1.27%…

Economic relationship between Türkiye and GCC countries The economic relationship between Türkiye and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries has evolved significantly since the resolution of the Gulf crisis in 2021. The de-escalation and normalisation processes which followed the al-Ula Agreement have created a fertile ground for deeper collaboration, with both sides focusing on enhancing trade, investment, and broader economic cooperation. Despite the potential, there is much untapped opportunity that could elevate these economic ties to new heights. Moreover, the Trump 2.0 era may open new avenues for GCC-Türkiye relations by encouraging pragmatic economic partnerships, reducing reliance on traditional alliances,…

CPI Countries Countries Date CPI Interannual Accum. since January United States [+] March 2025 2.4% 1.3% United Kingdom [+] March 2025 2.6% 0.7% Germany [+] March 2025 2.2% 0.6% France [+] March 2025 0.8% 0.4% Japan [+] March 2025 3.6% 0.4% Spain [+] March 2025 2.3% 0.6% Italy [+] March 2025 2.0% 1.2% Portugal [+] March 2025 1.9% 0.9% Greece [+] March 2025 2.4% 0.7% Ireland [+] March 2025 2.0% 0.7% Andorra [+] March 2025 2.1% 0.8% Armenia [+] March 2025 2.5% 2.0% Angola [+] March 2025 23.9% 4.7% Argentina [+] March 2025 55.9% 8.6% Austria [+] March 2025…

Into the world, resilient Chinese economy injects certainty amid rising protectionism Despite headwinds of rising protectionism, increasing signals point to a good start for China’s economy for the first quarter (Q1) of 2025, injecting much-needed certainty and confidence into the world. The Chinese economic momentum is highlighted by domestic demand, industrial production and foreign trade, and driven by pro-growth policies, innovation, and structural adjustment. The Chinese government has prioritized such tasks as boosting domestic demand, developing new quality productive forces, implementing landmark reform measures, and expanding high-standard opening up, for this year. Foreign trade remains one of the bright spots…

$1B foreign loan deal reached at interest rate of 7.6 pc Pakistan and two foreign commercial banks have reached an understanding for a $1 billion loan at an interest rate of around 7.6 percent, which Islamabad is obtaining on the back of Asian Development Bank (ADB) guarantee due to its low credit rating. The final term sheet and loan disbursement are subject to the approval of the ADB’s $500 million guarantee, which the board of the Manila-based lending agency will approve on May 28. Pakistan can borrow up to $1.5 billion foreign commercial loan against the $500 million guarantee, said…

USTR port fees counterproductive: WSC The World Shipping Council (WSC) said it has concerns about the US Trade Representative’s (USTR) proposed port fee system, branding the regime “counterproductive” and warning that it risks harming US consumers and businesses “without delivering meaningful progress toward revitalising the US maritime industry”. USTR published its proposed fee structure ahead of the Easter holiday, a regime which would see Chinese-owned, -operated and -built ships calling US ports paying fees from October 2025 based on the vessel’s net tonnage and/or containers discharged, increasing annually. Further fees were also announced for car carriers, as well as a…

Milk supply resilient amid worldwide volatility As April draws to a close and we approach the final month of the 2024/25 dairy season, New Zealand continues to deliver solid year-on-year gains in milk production – even as the natural decline in volumes typical of this time of year begins to take hold. March production figures surprised on the upside, with a 0.8 percent increase in milksolids compared to the same month last year. This result, paired with two consecutive positive Global Dairy Trade (GDT) Events, suggests a firm finish to the current season and a strong foundation for the one…

Information on Cost and Value We cannot achieve results until we have information on cost and value. Basic structural information is focused upon the value that is created for customers and the resources used to do so. The concepts and tools of accounting are now in the throes of its most fundamental change. The new accounting tools are not just different views of recording transactions but represent different concepts of what business is and what results are. So even the executive far removed from any work in accounting, such as a research manager in a development laboratory, needs to understand…

Pakistan’s rice exports thrive in key markets like Iran, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)’s latest new report on global grain production, in 2025 Global wheat production could reach 796 million tonnes. This shows an increase of 1 per cent over the previous year. Wheat production in the European Union, especially France and Germany, may increase. FAO has projected more wheat sowing in these areas. However, dry situations in Eastern Europe and heavy rains in the west could affect wheat yields. Wheat acreage in the US is expected to increase, but…

Govt aims for fiscal discipline through budget surplus, inflation control, and debt restructuring In the shaping economic growth, sources recorded that external debt plays both a positive and negative role, chiefly of the developing countries. External debt is helpful when the government utilises it for investment-oriented projects like power, infrastructure and the agricultural sector. On the other hand, it would affect negatively when it is used for private and public consumption purposes, which do not bring any return. Additionally, a low level of external debt impacts economic growth positively, but this relationship becomes negative at a higher level. Pakistan’s External…

Ranked: The Top 20 Most Valuable Brands Ranking Name Country Brand Value Annual Change in Brand Value 1 Apple U.S. $574.5B 11% 2 Microsoft U.S. $461.1B 35% 3 Google U.S. $413.0B 24% 4 Amazon U.S. $356.4B 15% 5 Walmart U.S. $137.2B 42% 6 Samsung Group South Korea $110.6B 11% 7 TikTok/Douyin China $105.8B 26% 8 Facebook U.S. $91.5B 21% 9 NVIDIA U.S. $87.9B 98% 10 State Grid Corporation of China China $85.6B 20% 11 T Germany $85.3B 16% 12 Instagram U.S. $79.9B 13% 13 ICBC China $79.1B 10% 14 China Construction Bank China $78.4B 19% 15 Verizon U.S. $72.3B 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 (Apr 10 2025) Currency Symbol Buying Selling Australian Dollar AUD 174 176.25 Bahrain Dinar BHD 738.85 746.85 Canadian Dollar CAD 199.35 201.75 China Yuan CNY 37.59 37.99 Danish Krone DKK 40.15 40.55 Euro EUR 307.4 310.15 Hong Kong Dollar HKD…

Saudi outperforms Gulf peers in early trade Saudi Arabia’s stock market led most of its Gulf peers higher early on Thursday, tracking global shares, after U.S. President Donald Trump’s unexpected decision to temporarily suspend most of his recently imposed tariffs. Trump on Wednesday announced a 90-day pause on many of his new duties, however, raised the tariff rate for China to 125 percent effective immediately, from the previously announced 104 percent that took effect earlier on Wednesday. Saudi Arabia’s benchmark index jumped 4 percent, buoyed by a 3.8 percent rise in Al Rajhi Bank and a 3.9 percent increase in…

Stock Market Indexes Details Date Level Ch. This Week ch. Mon. ch. Ann. ch. YTD TA-35 [+] 04/08/2025 2,407.62 1.46% -1.67% -2.41% 20.33% 0.53% ASE Amman [+] 04/08/2025 2,565.28 0.74% 0.76% -1.78% 5.26% 3.07% KASE [+] 04/09/2025 5,441.78 -1.46% -1.47% -3.72% 8.82% -2.44% KSW Kuwait [+] 04/08/2025 8,302.45 3.08% 2.42% -4.17% 5.64% 5.92% KSE Kyrgyz [+] 04/08/2025 4,822.23 0 0.00% 3.47% 59.33% 18.37% LSX Index [+] 04/08/2025 1,110.32 -0.35% -1.48% -0.88% -4.76% -3.46% OMX Riga [+] 04/09/2025 862.57 0.28% -0.84% -3.41% -35.00% -0.77% OMX Vilnius [+] 04/09/2025 1,137.09 0.32% -1.18% -0.33% 17.83% 6.72% LuxX [+] 04/08/2025 1,399.48 2.81% 0.65% -11.73%…

CPI Countries Countries Date CPI Interannual Accum. since January United States [+] February 2025 2.8% 1.1% United Kingdom [+] February 2025 2.8% 0.3% Germany [+] February 2025 2.3% 0.3% France [+] March 2025 0.8% 0.4% Japan [+] February 2025 3.7% 0.1% Spain [+] March 2025 2.3% 0.7% Italy [+] March 2025 2.0% 1.2% Portugal [+] February 2025 2.4% -0.6% Greece [+] February 2025 2.5% -0.8% Ireland [+] February 2025 1.8% 0.1% Andorra [+] February 2025 2.3% -0.3% Armenia [+] February 2025 2.1% 1.5% Angola [+] February 2025 25.3% 3.3% Argentina [+] February 2025 66.9% 4.7% Austria [+] February 2025 3.2%…

UN Report: climate shocks could cause 6pc economic loss in Asia-Pacific A new United Nations report warns that climate shocks could lead to annual economic losses (AAL) of at least 6 percent in one-third of countries in the Asia-Pacific region, underscoring the region’s significant vulnerability to climate change. The report, titled Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2025: Understanding the Macroeconomic Implications of Climate Change, published by the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) on Tuesday, highlights how many developing economies in the region are struggling to manage the macroeconomic repercussions of…

Norway’s 1st bio-methanol feeders enter service Norway marked a milestone in its efforts to be a leader in green shipping with the introduction of the first of two vessels that will be powered with bio-methanol. The containerships which are operating in a partnership between North Sea Container Line and MPC Container Ships will expand Norway’s trade with Europe while also lowering emissions. Seafarers shouldn’t have to decide between shore leave and rest As the International Labour Organization (ILO) meets to consider changes to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), leading maritime charity?Stella Maris UK?is calling for urgent protections to stop seafarers…

Finland annual share of natural resources People in Finland have consumed their share of the Earth’s natural resources by Sunday, 6 April, according to WWF, the World Wildlife Fund. Each year, Overshoot Day marks the point at which the planet’s annual biocapacity would be exhausted if everyone consumed as much as the residents of that country. Finns consume their share of the Earth’s natural resources at a faster rate than the majority of the world’s population. On Overshoot Day, the consumption of natural resources exceeds the planet’s ability to regenerate renewable resources and absorb the greenhouse gas emissions caused by…

Simulated Decentralization The main rule is to look simulated decentralization as a last resort only. Whenever a unit can be set up as a business, no design principle can match federal decentralization. We have learned, however, that a great many large companies cannot be divided into genuine businesses. Yet they have clearly outgrown the limits of size and complexity of the functional or of the team structure. These are the companies that are increasingly turning to “simulated decentralization” as the answer to their organization problem. Simulated decentralization forms structural units that are not businesses but which are still up as…

Country’s rising exports supported by textile and rice industries, imports rise amid economic expansion According to the latest Global Trade Update published by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the global trade is set to reach a record $33 trillion in 2024. This $1 trillion increase, reflecting 3.3 percent yearly growth, highlights resilience in global trade despite persistent challenges. Statistics analysed that robust growth in services trade, up 7 percent for the year, accounted for half of the expansion, while goods trade grew 2 percent but remained below its 2022 peak. It is recorded that developing states, traditionally strong drivers of…

Ramazan-driven demand pressures household budgets and essential commodity prices Presently the government of Pakistan strictly continues to monitor price fluctuations as inflation trends impact household budgets during the holy month of Ramazan in 2025. Statistics showed that inflation rises by 0.22 percent in second week of Ramazan, with prices of 12 essential items, including live broiler chicken, tomatoes, and sugar, witnessing a surge. As per the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), inflation on an annual basis recorded a fall of 1.97 percent for the week ending March 13, 2025. Core Inflation In Pakistan (%) (Base 2015-16) Periods NFNE Trimmed Urban…

Gross Domestic Product Of Pakistan (at constant basic prices of 2015-16) (Rs. Million) S. No Sector/Industry 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 GDP Growth Rate (%) 5.77 6.18 -0.22 2.50 A Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing (1 to 4) 8,424,041 8,778,647 8,975,069 9,529,625   1. Crops ( i+ii+iii) 2,849,148 3,083,439 3,047,425 3,360,378 i) Important Crops 1,593,985 1,681,708 1,689,304 1,978,505 ii) Other Crops 1,152,009 1,289,069 1,271,187 1,253,882 iii) Cotton Ginning 103,154 112,662 86,934 127,991 2. Livestock 5,269,009 5,387,611 5,587,106 5,829,657 3. Forestry 183,877 185,162 217,372 215,428 4. Fishing 122,007 122,435 123,166 124,162 B Industrial Activities ( 1 to 4 ) 6,935,438 7,421,583 7,141,326 7,023,320…

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 (Mar 18, 2025) Currency Symbol Buying Selling Australian Dollar AUD 177.5 179.75 Bahrain Dinar BHD 741.75 749.75 Canadian Dollar CAD 196.85 199.25 China Yuan CNY 37.55 37.95 Danish Krone DKK 38.45 38.85 Euro EUR 305.5 308.25 Hong Kong Dollar HKD…

Most Gulf stocks in red on regional tensions Most major stock markets in the Gulf fell in early trade on Tuesday amid rising geopolitical tensions in the region, with the Saudi index on course to end a three-session winning streak. Israeli air strikes on Gaza killed more than 300 people, Palestinian health authorities said, threatening a complete collapse of a two-month ceasefire as Israel vowed to use force to free its remaining hostages in the enclave. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump’s vowed to continue the US assault on Yemen’s Houthis unless they ended their attacks on ships in the Red Sea.…

Stock Market Indexes Details Date Level Ch. This Week ch. Mon. ch. Ann. ch. YTD HANG SENG [+] 03/17/2025 24,145.57 0.77% 0.77% 6.76% 44.40% 20.37% BUX [+] 03/17/2025 89,265.59 1.59% 1.59% 1.72% 37.36% 12.53% ICEX [+] 03/17/2025 2,212.67 0.00% 0.00% -9.85% 1.24% -7.37% NIFTY [+] 03/17/2025 22,508.75 0.50% 0.50% -1.96% 2.20% -4.90% JCI Jakarta [+] 03/17/2025 6,471.95 -0.67% -0.67% -5.25% -11.68% -8.59% TA-35 [+] 03/17/2025 2,530.37 0.77% 0.77% 1.52% 32.71% 5.65% ASE Amman [+] 03/17/2025 2,614.04 -0.02% -0.02% 1.00% 4.57% 5.03% KASE [+] 03/17/2025 5,638.19 0.27% 0.27% 1.65% 12.86% 1.08% KSW Kuwait [+] 03/16/2025 8,425.98 -0.59% -1.67% -1.66% 3.39% 7.49%…

CPI Countries Countries Date CPI Interannual Accum. since January United States [+] Feb-25 2.80% 1.10% United Kingdom [+] Jan-25 3.00% -0.20% Germany [+] Feb-25 2.30% 0.30% France [+] Feb-25 0.80% 0.10% Japan [+] Jan-25 4.00% 0.50% Spain [+] Feb-25 3.00% 0.60% Italy [+] Feb-25 1.70% 0.80% Portugal [+] Feb-25 2.40% -0.60% Greece [+] Feb-25 2.50% -0.80% Ireland [+] Feb-25 1.80% 0.10% Andorra [+] Feb-25 2.30% -0.30% Armenia [+] Feb-25 2.10% 1.50% Angola [+] Feb-25 25.30% 3.30% Argentina [+] Feb-25 66.90% 4.70% Austria [+] Jan-25 3.20% 1.00% Australia [+] Dec-24 2.40% 2.40% Belgium [+] Feb-25 3.60% 1.60% Bulgaria [+] Feb-25 4.00%…

China spending billions to get people to open their wallets? The Chinese government has promised new child care subsidies, increased wages and better paid leave to revive a slowing economy. That is on top of a $41bn discount programme for all sorts of things, from dishwashers and home decor to electric vehicles and smartwatches. Beijing is going on a spending spree that will encourage Chinese people to crack open their wallets. Simply put, they are not spending enough. Monday brought some positive news. Official data said retail sales grew 4 percent in the first two months of 2025, a positive…

Australia fines bulker A court in Australia sided with its maritime authorities and ordered the owners of a bulker to pay a fine as well as court costs for failing to follow safety directions. The fine comes after the Australian Maritime Authority (AMSA) last year banned the vessel from sailing to Australia also related to safety issues in 2023. KMAX Leader, a Liberia-flagged bulk carrier, arrived at the Port of Gladstone in October 2023 reporting propulsion issues. Through the port agency, Universal Shipping Alliance, AMSA was advised the vessel would require eight to 10 days to complete repairs. Instead, the…

OPEC+ is supporting a potentially disastrous rise in oil production? Oil prices have fallen fast since the 3 March announcement from OPEC+ that it will go ahead with a planned rise in its collective oil production. The prospect of increased supply from the group has added to the bearish tone created by rising supply from other key producers and from uncertain demand projections from the world’s biggest importer of oil, China. Lower oil and gas prices is precisely what Donald Trump wants to see in his second term as U.S. president, but with budget breakeven oil prices much higher than…

Andrew Carnegie, a Scottish-American industrialist and the greatest philanthropist in this speech, is known to be the most influential person whose greatest contribution in expanding the American steel industry in 19th century makes him immortal. He donated his most fortune to establishing schools, Libraries and universities across the United States and Europe. He was a self-made man for his economic, cultural as well as intellectual developments. He is often considered to be the second richest man in the history after John D. Rockefeller. From his young age he would love to listen about famous Scottish heroes such as Rob Roy,…

Pakistan’s Islamic microfinance industry reached Rs 27.1 billion in assets, aiding economic growth and poverty alleviation Murabaha, Mudarabah, Musharakah, and Qard Hasan offer ethical financing, promoting financial stability in underserved communities In the developing world international industry experts examined that lacking of access to financial services is considered as one of the major constraints on inclusive economic growth. It is the main constraint on the growth of micro, small and medium businesses – often the single source of income for poor households, which hampered employment opportunities, economic growth and shared prosperity. It is said that Islamic microfinance shows the confluence…

Islamic Fintech sector surges to $180 billion by 2026, driven by innovation, regulation, and investment trends worldwide In accordance with Shariah principles, international experts revealed that Islamic Fintech is a rapidly growing sector that leverages technology to deliver financial services. This innovative method is reshaping the way Islamic finance is conducted, providing greater accessibility, efficiency, and inclusivity. Islamic Fintech solutions encompass a broad range of services, counting digital payments, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer lending, wealth management, and insurance. By combining traditional Islamic financial rules with cutting-edge technology, Islamic Fintech aims to meet the evolving needs of Muslim consumers and businesses while upholding…

Pakistan: Industry Progress And Market Share (Amount in Rs billion) Particulars Islamic Banking IndustryProgress Growth (YoY) Share in Overall Banking Industry (%) Sep-23 Jun-24 Sep-24 Sep-23 Jun-24 Sep-24 Sep-23 Jun-24 Sep-24 Assets 8,416 9,689 9,881 21.9 19.4 17.4 19.6 18.8 19.0 Deposits 6,160 7,363 7,596 22.7 25.4 23.3 22.5 22.7 23.2 Investments (net) 3,928 4,489 4,803 39.2 29.3 22.3 16.9 14.5 15.2 Financing (net) 3,026 3,449 3,252 1.4 3.8 7.5 26.1 28.6 27.3 Number of Islamic Banking Institutions 22 22 22 – – – – – – Number of Branches 4,666 5,196 5,333 11.3 14.6 14.3 – – – Number…

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( Mar 06, 2025) Currency Symbol Buying Selling Australian Dollar AUD 174.35 176.6 Bahrain Dinar BHD 738.95 746.95 Canadian Dollar CAD 193.95 196.35 China Yuan CNY 37.55 37.95 Danish Krone DKK 38.45 38.85 Euro EUR 292.85 295.6 Hong Kong Dollar HKD…

Banks, energy stocks pull down Australian shares Australian shares fell on Thursday, dragged down by energy and bank stock, while investors assessed the economic implications of the country’s top trading partner China unlocking more fiscal stimulus. The S&P/ASX 200 index dropped 0.6percent to hit 8,096, as of 1205 GMT. The benchmark fell 0.7percent on Wednesday. Australia’s top trading partner China unleashed more stimulus on Wednesday, as it looks to defend its economy from the ramifications of a tariff face-off with the US Energy stocks slumped about 2.5percent, after crude oil prices settled down to their lowest in months as the…

Stock Market Indexes Details Date Level Ch. This Week ch. Mon. ch. Ann. ch. YTD ASE Amman [+] 03/04/2025 2,582.17 -0.19% -0.40% -1.44% 4.59% 3.75% KASE [+] 03/04/2025 5,638.97 0.01% 0.33% 1.21% 16.49% 1.09% KSW Kuwait [+] 03/03/2025 8,767.04 0.40% 0.40% 4.31% 7.50% 11.84% KSE Kyrgyz [+] 03/03/2025 4,636.08 0 0 -0.72% 66.09% 13.80% LSX Index [+] 03/04/2025 1,131.76 -1.63% -1.61% -0.05% -4.25% -1.59% OMX Riga [+] 03/04/2025 876.73 -0.74% -0.44% 1.29% -34.24% 0.85% OMX Vilnius [+] 03/04/2025 1,120.08 -3.26% -3.37% -1.71% 17.04% 5.12% LuxX [+] 03/03/2025 1,520.40 1.61% 1.61% 12.67% 2.80% 16.60% FBMKLCI [+] 03/04/2025 1,555.66 -1.00% -1.21% -0.57%…