Smaller Pakistani banks posted some of the best total returns to investors across the Asia-Pacific region in 2025, buoyed by a strong rally in local equity markets and improving macroeconomic indicators, according to an analysis by S&P Global Market Intelligence. The S&P Global Market Intelligence in its report mentioned that the Bank of Punjab emerged as one of the top-performing banks in the
Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb on Thursday held a meeting with Visa delegation led by Tareq Muhmood, Regional President for Central Europe, Middle East and Africa (CEMEA) and discussed advancing digital payments, financial inclusion, and ongoing economic reforms. The minister welcomed the delegation and appreciated Visa’s continued engagement with Pakistan’s financi
Companies found it harder to do business in 2025 due to a deterioration in global cooperation on issues including trade, climate, technology and security, a survey published by the World Economic Forum showed on Thursday. Released ahead of the WEF’s next annual gathering in Davos later this month, the online poll of 799 executives in 81 economies using a McKinsey global survey panel showed 43 p
Oil prices rose for a second day on Friday, set for their third weekly gain, on uncertainty about the future of supply from Venezuela and as Iranian unrest increases concerns about output there. Brent futures rose 44 cents, or 0.71%, to $62.43 per barrel at 0203 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude gained 39 cents, or 0.68%, to $58.15. Both benchmark prices climbed more than 3
The Pakistani rupee strengthened against the US dollar, appreciating 0.07% during the opening minutes of trading in the inter-bank market on Friday. At 10am, the local currency was hovering at 279.85, a gain of Re0.20 against the greenback. On Thursday, the local unit closed at 280.05. Internationally, the US dollar advanced at the start of the Asian session on Friday, as traders awaited the