Tag: Currency Exchange

  • PKR registers only 0.92% rise against US dollar since the onset of 2024

    PKR registers only 0.92% rise against US dollar since the onset of 2024

    The Pakistani rupee (PKR) maintained its upward trajectory for the 13th consecutive week, gaining 12.88 paisa against the US dollar and settling at PKR 279.28 per USD.

    This positive momentum marks a notable shift from the previous week’s closing rate of PKR 279.41 per USD.

    Analysing the broader financial trends, the PKR has appreciated against the US dollar by 6.71 rupees, or 2.4 per cent, during the current financial year. Looking at the calendar year, the PKR has shown a gain of 2.58 rupees, or 0.92 per cent.

    Friday’s trading session witnessed the PKR displaying strength as it appreciated by over 6 paisa. The intraday high (bid) reached 279.9, while the low (ask) touched 279.6, showcasing the currency’s resilience in the face of market fluctuations.

    In the open market, exchange companies quoted buying rates at 278.89 and selling rates at 281, contributing to the overall positive sentiment surrounding the PKR.

    Comparatively, against major currencies, the PKR experienced a marginal loss of 26.91 paisa against the Euro, closing at 300.87.

    Meanwhile, the British Pound became more affordable by 20.31 paisa, closing at 352.33. The Swiss Franc saw a decline of 1.59 rupees, closing at 318.89, and against the Japanese Yen, the PKR gained 1.71 paisa, closing at 1.8695.

    In the global currency market, the Chinese Yuan lost 0.4 paisa, closing at 38.82, while the Saudi Riyal closed at 74.47, experiencing a marginal loss of 1.43 paisa. The U.A.E. dirham also saw a decrease in value of 1.57 paisa, settling at 76.05.

    Shifting focus to the money market, the benchmark 6-month Karachi Interbank bid and offer rates experienced a 9 basis point increase, reaching 21.05 per cent and 21.3 per cent, respectively.

    This upward movement in yields follows the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) maintaining the policy rate at 22 per cent for the fifth consecutive meeting, contributing to the evolving financial landscape.

  • Economic challenges await next govt as Pakistan votes

    Economic challenges await next govt as Pakistan votes

    Pakistan is set to hold its national elections on Thursday, a crucial event for the country grappling with multiple crises.

    As the new government prepares to take charge, it faces daunting challenges in stabilising the economy.

    Last summer, Pakistan narrowly avoided a sovereign default through a last-minute $3 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

    However, this lifeline is set to end in March, and officials anticipate the need for a new, extended programme.

    Negotiating this program swiftly is imperative for the incoming government, as the economy is burdened by record-high inflation and slow growth resulting from stringent reforms.

    The country’s headline inflation stood at 28.3 per cent year-on-year in January, slightly lower than December’s 29.7 per cent. Despite government expectations, citizens are anxious for the new administration to address the soaring inflation that has significantly impacted their daily lives.

    Moreover, recent increases in gas prices, with a 35.13 per cent hike for Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and 8.57 per cent for Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGC), add to the economic challenges. The move, effective from January 1, 2024, is the second increase in gas prices this fiscal year.

    In addition to rising gas prices, the cost of petrol and diesel has surged, with a notable increase of Rs13.55 per litre announced on February 1, 2024. This hike is attributed to the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, including Israel’s conflict with Gaza and Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.

    Amid these economic hardships, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has approved an increase in electricity tariffs for distribution companies (Discos) by Rs4.57 per unit for December 2023. This adjustment addresses the escalating fuel costs impacting the power sector.

    The new government is also expected to address the exchange rate concerns as the Pakistani rupee struggles against the US dollar, currently standing at around Rs279.

    The disparity has led to increased prices for essential commodities, further straining the population.

    Adding to the complexity of the upcoming elections is the high political tension, with former prime minister Imran Khan describing a crackdown on him and his party.

    Khan, who has been in jail since August, faces pending cases, including accusations of ordering violent attacks on military installations.

    Despite his imprisonment, Khan maintains substantial popular support, and continued political unrest could jeopardise the stability needed for economic recovery and foreign investment.

    As Pakistan stands at a critical juncture, the incoming government’s ability to navigate these challenges will determine the nation’s economic trajectory in the coming years.

  • Interbank closing: PKR continues winning streak, settles at Rs281.22

    Interbank closing: PKR continues winning streak, settles at Rs281.22

    The Pakistani rupee (PKR) extended its upward trend against the US dollar for the fifth consecutive session, gaining 0.02 per cent in the inter-bank market on Tuesday.

    The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) reported that the rupee concluded at Rs281.22 after a rise of Re0.06. In the preceding session on Monday, the rupee had experienced a slight increase, settling at Rs281.28 against the US dollar.

    On a global scale, the US dollar took a pause in its rally on Tuesday, with traders expressing confidence in multiple Federal Reserve rate cuts this year.

    This optimism is based on the belief that the slowdown in US inflation is significant.

    Meanwhile, in the cryptocurrency realm, bitcoin maintained its position near the highest level since April 2022, driven by growing expectations of the imminent approval of spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETF).

    These market movements were influenced, in part, by the New York Fed’s recent Survey of Consumer Expectations, revealing that US consumers’ short-term inflation expectations in December reached the lowest level in almost three years.

    A key reading on US inflation is scheduled later in the week, offering additional insights into the Federal Reserve’s potential room for interest rate adjustments this year.

    Futures currently indicate the pricing in of nearly 140 basis points worth of easing by the Fed in the coming year.

    Against a basket of currencies, the US dollar experienced a slight decline of 0.08 per cent, settling at 102.22, following a 1 per cent increase in the previous week.

  • 24-karat gold price in Pakistan increases by Rs1,000 per tola

    24-karat gold price in Pakistan increases by Rs1,000 per tola

    On Wednesday, the gold price in Pakistan experienced notable gains, with the 24-karat gold increasing by Rs1,000 per tola, reaching Rs220,600. 

    The Karachi Sarafa Association reported a gain of Rs857 for the 10-gramme 24-karat gold, priced at Rs189,129, while the 10-gramme 22-karat gold stood at Rs173,369.

    It’s worth mentioning that 24-karat gold had risen by Rs2,500 per tola the previous week. 

    Additionally, silver prices saw an uptick today, with 24-karat silver and 10-gramme 24-karat silver gaining Rs30 and Rs25.72, respectively, being sold at Rs2,680 and Rs2,297.66.

    Internationally, spot gold is currently trading at $2,066.85, marking a 0.04 per cent increase, while spot silver is at $24.13, reflecting a -0.25 per cent change.

    Notably, fluctuations in global prices, coupled with shifts in the interbank exchange rate of the Pakistani rupee, impact the domestic gold market. 

    The PKR is maintaining its winning streak against the US dollar, trading at PKR 281.98/282.37 per USD in its 11th consecutive session.

  • Gold price in Pakistan dips to Rs218,000 per tola

    Gold price in Pakistan dips to Rs218,000 per tola

    In a reversal of its recent upward trend, the price of gold in Pakistan saw a decline on Thursday, with the value of 24-karat gold dropping by Rs500 per tola and settling at Rs218,000.

    According to the Karachi Sarafa Association, the closing price for 10-gramme 24-karat gold in today’s session was recorded at Rs186,900, indicating a loss of Rs428.

    Additionally, the price of 10-gramme 22-karat gold stood at Rs171,325.

    Meanwhile, silver prices remained unchanged in the domestic market, with 24-karat silver and 10-gramme 24-karat silver concluding at Rs2,650 and Rs2,271.94, respectively.

    This decline in gold prices follows three consecutive sessions of steady increases, aligning with the continuous uptick in international gold prices.

    However, today’s downturn is attributed to a drop in global gold prices and the relative strengthening of the Pakistani rupee (PKR).

    The international spot gold market experienced a decrease of approximately $8.5 in the previous session, driven by a rebound in the U.S. dollar.

    Presently, spot gold is trading at $2,037.14, marking a 0.25% increase for the day as the dollar faces renewed pressure.

    Despite the gains observed today, they are not substantial enough to offset yesterday’s decline, resulting in an overall loss for the local bullion market.

    The market remains sensitive to fluctuations in both international gold prices and the strength of the Pakistani rupee.

  • PKR records eighth consecutive gain, closes at Rs282.79 vs dollar

    PKR records eighth consecutive gain, closes at Rs282.79 vs dollar

    In a notable financial trend, the Pakistani rupee (PKR) sustained its positive trajectory against the US dollar (USD) for the eighth consecutive session, witnessing a 0.04 per cent appreciation in the interbank market on Thursday.

    According to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the rupee concluded at Rs282.79 after experiencing a rise of Re0.11.

    The preceding day saw a slight uptick in the PKR’s value, settling at Rs282.9 against the US dollar. 

    A significant development unfolded as the government successfully secured a historic amount of Rs397 billion ($1.4 billion) in Wednesday’s local currency bond auction. 

    This achievement surpassed expectations, marking the highest borrowing in years within a single auction, showcasing sustained market interest even as December draws to a close.

    The substantial participation of investors underscores their confidence in long-term bonds, fueled by the anticipation of an early 2024 rate cut. 

    The government strategically opted for long-term borrowing in response, effectively mitigating rollover risks and minimisingreliance on short-term funding in the future.

    On the global front, the US dollar regained strength on Thursday, prompted by a sudden end to a robust rally for US stocks, compelling investors to seek safety. 

    In the final hour of equities trade on Wall Street, heavy selling induced a ripple of risk aversion through markets, lifting the previously under-pressure greenback from lows.

    As of early Asia trade on Thursday, the dollar index, which is down 1 per cent for the year so far, remained steady at 102.37. 

    In a comparison with major currencies, the Pakistani currency strengthened by 69.15 paisa against the Euro, concluding at Rs309.57 as opposed to the previous rate of Rs310.26. 

    The British Pound saw a reduction in value of 79.58 paisa, settling at Rs357.41 in comparison to the previous day’s Rs358.21.

    However, PKR experienced a slight decline of 0.38 paisa against the Japanese yen, closing at Rs1.974 as compared to the previous day’s rate of Rs1.97. 

    The Saudi Riyal concluded at Rs75.38, registering a decrease of 1.15 paisa from its value of Rs75.39 a day ago. 

    Similarly, the UAE Dirham witnessed a decrease in value of 2.81 paisa, shifting from Rs77.027 the previous day to Rs76.999.

    Meanwhile, oil prices, a crucial indicator of currency parity, experienced a decline on Thursday due to concerns over low demand following an unexpected US crude inventory build, outweighing apprehensions about global trade disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East. 

    Brent crude futures dropped by 3 cents to $79.67 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude stood at $74.16 a barrel, reflecting a 6-cent decrease.

  • Pakistani rupee gains 20 paisa against US dollar

    Pakistani rupee gains 20 paisa against US dollar

    The Pakistani rupee (PKR) extended its positive trajectory against the US dollar for the sixth consecutive session, appreciating by 0.07 per cent in the inter-bank market on Tuesday.

    According to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the rupee concluded at Rs283.01, marking an increase of Re0.20.

    In the previous session, the rupee saw a marginal gain, settling at Rs283.21 against the US dollar.

    Meanwhile, in a noteworthy development, Pakistan secured $4.285 billion from various financing sources in the first five months (July–November) of the current fiscal year 2023–24.

    This represents a decrease from the $5.114 billion borrowed during the corresponding period in 2022–23, as disclosed by data from the Economic Affairs Division (EAD).

    On the global front, the US dollar experienced a 0.3 per cent decline against the yen, maintaining its position close to a four-month high of 140.95 reached last week.

    Additionally, the greenback lingered near approximately five-month lows against the Australian and New Zealand dollars.

    This was attributed to the strength of risk-sensitive currencies, driven by the anticipation that the US Federal Reserve might initiate interest rate adjustments as early as the beginning of next year.

    In the realm of commodities, oil prices stabilised on Tuesday as investors assessed the potential repercussions on oil supply arising from attacks by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi militants on ships in the Red Sea.

    These attacks have disrupted maritime trade, compelling companies to reroute vessels. Notably, crude prices surged nearly 2 per cent on Monday due to concerns about trade disruptions through the Suez Canal, a vital shipping route that accounts for approximately 15 per cent of global shipping traffic.

    Brent crude declined by 12 cents to $77.83 per barrel.

    The US West Texas Intermediate crude for January, set to expire on Tuesday, experienced a decrease of 62 cents, reaching $71.85. In contrast, the more active February contract only incurred a marginal loss of 3 cents.

  • Pakistani rupee appreciates 0.02% against US dollar to close at Rs283.21

    Pakistani rupee appreciates 0.02% against US dollar to close at Rs283.21

    In a continuing upward trend, the Pakistani rupee demonstrated resilience in the inter-bank market by securing gains against the US dollar for the fifth consecutive session, appreciating by 0.02 per cent on Monday.

    According to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the rupee closed at Rs283.21, marking an increase of Re0.05.

    Throughout the preceding week, the rupee exhibited a noteworthy appreciation, gaining Re0.61 or 0.21 per cent to settle at Rs283.26 against the US dollar in the inter-bank market.

    This marks the fifth consecutive week of the rupee’s advancement against the dollar, a momentum attributed to the recent announcement of a staff-level agreement (SLA) between Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concerning the first review of the $3 billion Stand-by Arrangement (SBA).

    Since the revelation of the SLA on November 15, the local currency has strengthened by Rs4.88, or 1.7 per cent, against the greenback.

    Meanwhile, on a global scale, currencies commenced the week with caution following significant fluctuations in the previous week, driven by various central bank meetings, including rate decisions from the Federal Reserve, the European Central Bank (ECB), and the Bank of England (BoE).

    The greenback, which had been bolstered throughout most of 2022 and 2023 by aggressive rate hikes from the Fed and expectations of prolonged higher rates, experienced a notable decline of approximately 1.3 per cent against a basket of currencies last week in response to the outcomes of the Fed’s policy meeting.

  • Interbank closing: Pakistani rupee gains 10 paisa against US dollar

    Interbank closing: Pakistani rupee gains 10 paisa against US dollar

    The Pakistani rupee (PKR) demonstrated resilience for the third consecutive session against the US dollar (USD), marking a 0.04 per cent appreciation in the interbank market on Thursday, according to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

    The PKR settled at Rs283.51 after an increase of Rs0.10. This positive trend follows Wednesday’s marginal gain, where the rupee settled at Rs283.61 against the USD.

    In contrast to major currencies, the local currency experienced a loss of Rs2.64 against the Euro, closing at Rs308.49 compared to the previous value of Rs305.85.

    The British Pound strengthened by Rs2.91, concluding at Rs357.96 in comparison to Rs355.05 from the preceding day.

    The Swiss franc also witnessed gain of Rs1.46, closing at 325.35 compared to Rs323.89 in the previous session.

    Against the Japanese yen, PKR lost 5.23 paisa, settling at Rs1.9972 versus Rs1.9449 a day ago.

    In the ongoing financial year, the PKR has appreciated against the dollar by Rs2.48, or 0.87 per cent.

    However, in the current calendar year, it has depreciated by Rs57.08, or 20.13 per cent.

    In a related development, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), in its latest report, Asian Development Outlook (ADO), highlighted that Pakistan’s overall recovery is still constrained by moderate confidence and high inflation eroding purchasing power.

    The ADB noted that Pakistan’s inflation rate averaged 28.5 per cent over July–October but is expected to ease amid fiscal consolidation, monetary tightening, and improved availability of food and key imported inputs.

  • 24-karat gold price plunges by Rs1,800 per tola, reflecting global market trends

    24-karat gold price plunges by Rs1,800 per tola, reflecting global market trends

    On Tuesday, the price of gold experienced a further decline, with 24-karat gold witnessing a decrease of Rs1,800, settling at Rs213,600 per tola.  

    The Karachi Sarafa Association indicated that the closing rate for 10 grammes of 24-karat gold in today’s session was Rs183,128, reflecting a loss of Rs1,543.  

    Simultaneously, 10 grammes of 22-karat gold registered a decline to Rs167,867, down by Rs1,415. 

    Last week, gold investors in the domestic bullion market faced a significant setback when the price of 24-karat gold plummeted by Rs8,000 per tola.  

    This drop was attributed to a notable decrease in international prices and the strengthening of the local currency. 

    In contrast, the price of silver remained stable in the domestic market today, with 24-karat silver and 10 grammes of 24-karat silver closing at Rs2,600 and Rs2,229.08, respectively.  

    The downturn in the local market is linked to the ongoing decline in international prices. 

    The international spot gold market experienced a 1.04 per cent decrease this week, currently standing at $1,994.46.  

    This decline is influenced by the pressure stemming from a stronger dollar and increased US Treasury yields, marking the second consecutive session in which the commodity has traded in the red zone. 

    Market participants are eagerly anticipating the US consumer price report scheduled for 05:30 pm PST today.  

    This report could offer valuable insights into potential rate cuts ahead of the Federal Reserve’s statement and Chair Jerome Powell’s comments on Wednesday. 

    In the domestic market, gold prices are also susceptible to fluctuations in the local exchange rate.  

    Rupee remains stable against US dollar

    During yesterday’s interbank session, the Pakistani rupee (PKR) maintained stability, settling at PKR 283.9 per USD, representing a marginal depreciation of around 3 paisa against the US dollar compared to the previous session’s closing of PKR 283.87 per USD.  

    As gold is denominated in US dollars, a strengthening local unit contributes to a decrease in the value of PKR-denominated gold.