Dollar gains belie hopes for higher inflows

Despite mounting optimism for increased inflows and a new IMF bailout package, the US dollar strengthened in the inter-bank market while the State Bank’s reserves saw a slight decline. A financial team led by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb is currently in Washington seeking another loan package from the International Monetary Fund. Despite the minister’s hopeful outlook before departing for the negotiations, the market remained indifferent to these developments. On Monday, the dollar appreciated by 18 paise to Rs278.12. The greenback saw a 29-paisa increase in the open market, reaching Rs279.66.