Tag: Financial Updates

  • Gold prices dip by $8 internationally, Rs1,200 locally

    Gold prices dip by $8 internationally, Rs1,200 locally

    In a significant development in the precious metals market, the per-tola price of 24 karat gold experienced a notable decline, dropping by Rs1,200 on Saturday.

    According to the All Sindh Sarafa Jewellers Association, the precious metal was sold at Rs214,300, marking a decrease from its previous rate of Rs215,500 on the last trading day.

    Similarly, the price of 10 grammes of 24 karat gold exhibited a downward trend, declining by Rs1,028 to reach Rs183,728, as opposed to the earlier rate of Rs184,756. 

    Meanwhile, the prices of 10 grammes of 22 karat gold also saw a decrease, settling at Rs168,416 from Rs169,360, as reported by the Association.

    Notably, the per-tola and ten-gramme silver prices remained unchanged at Rs2,600 and Rs2,229.08, respectively, indicating stability in the silver market.

    The dip in local gold prices is mirrored on the international stage, as the global market reported a decrease of $8 in the price of gold.

    The international rate now stands at $2,045, down from the previous figure of $2,053, as outlined by the Association.

    This shift in prices is likely to have implications for investors, jewellers, and consumers alike, prompting a reassessment of investment strategies and purchase decisions in the coming days.

    Analysts are closely monitoring these fluctuations to gauge the market’s response and anticipate future trends in the precious metals sector.

  • Gold price drops by Rs2,000 per tola to Rs215,300

    Gold price drops by Rs2,000 per tola to Rs215,300

    On Wednesday, the domestic bullion market experienced a notable decline, influenced by a drop in international prices. 

    In Pakistan, the price of 24-karat gold plunged by Rs2,000 per tola, reaching Rs215,300.

    The Karachi Sarafa Association reported a decrease of Rs1,715 in the price of 10-gramme 24-karat gold, standing at  Rs184,585. 

    Additionally, the price of 10-gramme 22-karat gold dipped to Rs169,203 compared to Rs170,775 on Tuesday.

    Silver prices also witnessed a downturn in the domestic market, with 24-karat silver selling at Rs2,600 per tola and Rs2,229.08 per 10-gramme, reflecting declines of Rs50 per tola and Rs 42.86 per 10-gramme, respectively.

    On the global stage, international spot gold experienced a $6, or 0.31 per cent, decrease, currently trading at $2,021.77 [02:46 pm PST]. 

    This follows a $26 or 1.27 per cent decline yesterday, contributing to the overall impact on the domestic bullion market.

  • Gold price in Pakistan witnesses marginal increase of Rs200 per tola

    Gold price in Pakistan witnesses marginal increase of Rs200 per tola

    On Thursday, the domestic market witnessed a rise in the per tola rate of 24 karat gold, with an increment of Rs200. 

    According to the All Sindh Sarafa Jewellers Association, the price for 10 grammes of 24 karat gold also surged by Rs200, reaching Rs216,300.

    Additionally, both the per tola and 10-gramme silver prices experienced an increase of Rs171, reaching Rs185,442.

    Internationally, the cost of gold rose by $5, reaching $2052. At 0942 GMT, spot gold exhibited a 0.4 per cent increase, reaching $2,031.83 per ounce.

    Simultaneously, US gold futures demonstrated a 0.4 per cent rise, reaching $2,036.60.

    In other markets, silver saw a 0.6 per cent increase, reaching $23.01 per ounce, palladium gained 0.9 per cent, reaching $1,007.80, and platinum exhibited a 0.2 per cent rise, reaching $920.58.

  • State Bank of Pakistan set to announce policy rate decision today

    State Bank of Pakistan set to announce policy rate decision today

    The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) will soon unveil its latest monetary policy for the upcoming two months.

    In an official statement, the central bank declared that the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of SBP will convene on Monday, October 30, 2023, to determine the monetary policy. SBP will then issue the Monetary Policy Statement via a press release on the same day.

    Currently, the State Bank’s policy rate stands at 22 per cent. Since October 2021, the central bank has increased its policy rate by a cumulative 1,500 basis points in an effort to combat rising inflation and bolster the external balance. This rate has remained unchanged since July 2023.

    The forthcoming policy rate announcement is poised to exert a substantial influence on Pakistan’s industries and inflation rate.

    In the most recent meeting held in July, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) resolved to maintain the interest rate at 22 per cent.

    The Monetary Policy Committee of the central bank meticulously assessed economic data and the prevailing inflation situation before opting to retain the interest rate. It’s worth noting that substantial progress has been achieved in the current account, thanks to government initiatives.

    This decision comes against the backdrop of Pakistan contending with a high inflation rate, currently pegged at 29.65 per cent.

  • No extension for tax return deadline, only commissioner-requested extensions accepted

    The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has officially announced that the deadline for income tax return submissions remains unchanged, concluding on September 30.

    However, individuals may request an extension of up to 15 days by submitting an application to their respective commissioner.

    FBR officials report that over 1.7 million tax returns have already been filed, with expectations of the total reaching over Rs2 million by the September 30 deadline.

    More to follow..

  • SBP-held forex reserves rise by $12 million to $8.05 billion, sufficient to cover over two months’ worth of imports

    SBP-held forex reserves rise by $12 million to $8.05 billion, sufficient to cover over two months’ worth of imports

    The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) announced a rise of $12 million in its foreign exchange reserves, reaching $8.05 billion, as detailed in a statement released on Thursday. The nation’s overall liquid foreign reserves, encompassing both SBP and commercial banks, amounted to $13.379 billion as of August 11. Among these, commercial banks held net reserves totaling $5.3237 billion, as reported by the SBP.

    While the central bank did not provide specifics on the cause behind the augmentation of foreign exchange reserves, the situation presents an upbeat stance. Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that the existing reserves would barely cover imports for a span slightly exceeding two months.

    Notably, the previous month saw a notable escalation in SBP reserves due to inflows from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), following the formalisation of a $3 billion Stand-by Arrangement (SBA) with the global financial institution.

    According to Geo, in a departure from market predictions, the SBP opted to maintain the key policy rate at 22 per cent during the preceding month. This stance diverged from expectations, particularly those guided by IMF recommendations. SBP Governor Jameel Ahmed conveyed this decision following a Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting. Explaining the rationale, he stated that given the decline in inflation, there was no inclination to increase the interest rate.

    During a press conference, Governor Ahmed also shared insights into the nation’s economic trajectory. He projected a growth rate ranging from 2 per cent to 3 per cent for the upcoming year. Highlighting the government’s actions, he mentioned the complete removal of import restrictions. This move, coupled with financial inflows from the IMF and other supportive nations, led to a $4.2 billion upswing in Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves in July.

  • US dollar surges against Pakistani rupee for eighth consecutive day in interbank market

    US dollar surges against Pakistani rupee for eighth consecutive day in interbank market

    The US dollar has been steadily appreciating against the Pakistani rupee for eight consecutive days, showing a continued upward trend in its value. On Tuesday, the currency further strengthened in the interbank market.

    At the start of the daily trading session in the interbank market, the American currency gained Rs1.8, reaching a value of Rs289 against the local currency. Over the course of the last eight days, the US dollar has gained Rs12.50 against the rupee in the interbank market.

    Interestingly, on Monday, despite receiving financial support from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other friendly countries, the Pakistani rupee depreciated even further against the US dollar.

    According to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the dollar’s rate increased by Rs1.1 on Monday, with a closing rate of Rs287.92. In comparison, it had closed at Rs286.81 on Friday, showing a 0.39 per cent decline in the value of the rupee against the US dollar.