Tag: rupee decline

  • IMF’s $700 million tranche approval crucial for Pakistani rupee’s recovery

    IMF’s $700 million tranche approval crucial for Pakistani rupee’s recovery

    The Pakistani Rupee (PKR) is expected to rebound against the US dollar this week, with this revival contingent on the approval of the next tranche by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

    Last week, the PKR weakened by 1.78 rupees (0.6 per cent), closing at Rs280.57 against the US dollar, marking a second consecutive week of decline. On the last trading day, it reached a high of Rs280.5 and a low of Rs280.15 against the greenback.

    In the open market, the rupee depreciated by 50 paisa, closing at Rs279.5 for buying and Rs292.8 for selling, compared to Rs279 and Rs282 a week ago.

    The rupee’s decline is attributed to expectations of the IMF’s approval for the next $700 million tranche of its $3 billion loan. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and decreased export receipts have also played a role.

    Despite hopes for recovery post-IMF approval, concerns linger about its long-term stability, with Goldman Sachs predicting a short-lived strong performance.

    The rupee’s fate remains tied to the 280 level until the IMF’s decision. The upcoming weeks and months hold uncertainty amid global economic challenges and geopolitical issues.

    Economists and financial experts are closely watching events, especially the IMF’s decision, which will significantly impact Pakistan’s economic stability as it strives to restore economic health and growth.

  • Gold price reaches Rs234,000 per tola, nearing new record high

    Gold price reaches Rs234,000 per tola, nearing new record high

    Gold prices in Pakistan continued to rise on Tuesday, influenced by the Pakistani rupee’s decline against the US dollar and an uptick in global prices. 

    According to the All Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association, the cost of 24-carat gold settled at Rs234,500 per tola, marking a substantial increase of Rs4,600. Similarly, the price of 10 grammes of gold rose by Rs3,944 to reach Rs201,046.

    It is expected that the price of gold might reach unprecedented levels due to the relentless and rapid decline of local currency against the greenback.

    The movement of gold prices in Pakistan closely follows the path of the US dollar due to the country’s reliance on gold imports. 

    The Pakistani rupee saw a notable decrease, falling to a new all-time low against the US dollar. It ended at Rs299.01 rupees per dollar, reflecting a decline of Rs1.88, as reported by the State Bank of Pakistan.

    Currency experts attribute the surge in gold prices to the recent depreciation of the rupee. 

    With growing concerns about the country’s economic situation, investors are turning to gold as a safe-haven asset. This shift has resulted in a significant increase of Rs12,700 per tola in just one week.

    Read more: PKR to USD rate

    Notably, the hike in gold prices coincided with political turmoil and a decrease in the local currency’s value, leading to an all-time high valuation of Rs240,000 per tola on May 10, 2023. On the international front, the price of gold saw a $10 increase, reaching $1,901 per ounce on Tuesday.

  • Pakistani rupee crashes to historic low of Rs194 against US dollar

    Pakistani rupee crashes to historic low of Rs194 against US dollar

    During the trading session on Monday, the Pakistani rupee (PKR) maintained its declining trend, touching Rs194, its worst rate versus the US dollar. At the interbank, the greenback strengthened by Rs1.47 during the trading hours.

    The General Secretary of the Exchange Companies Association of Pakistan, Zafar Paracha said that the greenback climbed by Rs11.07 since the new government took government, while debt has increased by Rs1,400 billion due to the disparity.

    Pakistani currency lost 3.1 per cent of its value against the US dollar in the previous week in the interbank market, with Pakistan’s currency hitting new record lows to end the week at Rs192.53, its worst closing in history.

    Read more: Pakistani Rupee crashes to a record low against US dollar 

    The local currency fell in value across the board as concerns about the economy, declining foreign currency reserves, and worsening trade imbalance intensified. Concerns over the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme have also caused fear and speculation in the market.