News

Oil marketing companies’ sales jump 19pc in October

Oil marketing companies recorded volumetric sales of 1.26 million tonnes in October, up 19 per cent from a month ago but down 24pc on an annual basis. According to a note by Topline Research on the latest industry data, the monthly jump in volumetric sales is due to the low base of the preceding month. In addition, higher prices and the fact that consumers waited in anticipation of a decline in

Rupee posts 9th straight loss vs dollar

The foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank rose $14 million in a week, the central bank said on Thursday, but the rupee remained under pressure and fell for the ninth consecutive day in the interbank market to close at 283.43 against the dollar. According to the SBP data, its reserves increased $14m during the week ending Oct 27 to $7.51 billion, though the bank did not specify the co

Reforms on agenda as govt-IMF talks begin

The caretaker government and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) kicked off the much-awaited loan review talks on a generally positive note on Thursday, setting the stage for a deep dive into forward-looking reforms under a nine-month bailout package, slated to be completed in March next year. Caretaker Finance Minister Dr Shamshad Akhtar and the IMF’s mission chief for Pakistan, Nathan Porte

Bulls toss index above 52,000 level

Pakistani shares witnessed another bullish day on the stock exchange as the benchmark index of major listed companies stayed in the positive range throughout trading hours on Wednesday. Topline Securities Ltd said the extended momentum can be attributed to crucial talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that are scheduled to begin on today (Thursday) under the $3bn Stand-By Arrangement

PSX crosses 52,000 barrier after 400-point rally

The Pakistan Stock Exchange’s (PSX) benchmark KSE-100 index crossed the 52,000 barrier on Wednesday, after gaining more than 400 points. The index gained 422.36 points, or 0.81pc, to close at 52,342.63 points from the previous 51,920.27. Yesterday, share prices had risen on the maintenance of the monetary policy status quo announced on Monday. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) sustained its p