News

PSX begins 2024 with 2nd highest single-day gain, surges 2,200 points

Shares at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) began the new year in the green, posting the second-highest single-day gain in the history of the benchmark index on Monday. According to the PSX website, the KSE-100 index struck 63,935.56 points at 10am, up 1484.52 points or 2.38 per cent from the previous close of 62,451.04 points. The index finally closed at 64,661.78, gaining a cumulative 2210.74

IMF board to review Pakistan tranche on Jan 11

The Inter­national Monetary Fund (IMF) has included Pakistan on its Executive Board agenda for January 11, as reported on its updated website. During this meeting, the board is set to deliberate and potentially grant final approval for the disbursement of the next $700 million tranche under the existing $3 billion Stand-By Arrangement (SBA). According to the IMF Executive Board calendar, upc

SBP’s projections

THE State Bank Governor’s Annual Report for FY2023 is “cautiously optimistic” about the economy. It projects headline price inflation to drop, the current account deficit to narrow, and GDP to expand during the ongoing fiscal year. However, the report warns, this outlook hinges on the absence of adverse shocks stemming from geopolitical tensions, unforeseen climate events and unfavourable movem

A year of stabilisation

AFTER a tumultuous 2023, most people remain “cautiously optimistic” about Pakistan’s economic outlook as we enter the new year, waiting with bated breath for a new government to take office. Last week, we had an interview with Muhammad Ali Tabba, Lucky Cement’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and one of the most dynamic businessmen this country has ever produced, to know his thoughts on Pakistan’s e

Back-breaking inflation, utility bills grind common man down in 2023

The year 2023 ended with no major relief for consumers in essential commodities as the government failed to show any serious efforts to control rising prices at various levels. The unbearable burden of electricity and gas bills has decimated the purchasing power of people who were already reeling with skyrocketing inflation. In the entire year, consumers witnessed only one significant reduct