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Shares at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) continued their upward trajectory on Friday as the KSE-100 index gained more than 800 points in intraday trade. The benchmark KSE-100 index climbed 801.61 points, or 0.7 per cent, to stand at 114,514.78 from the last close of 113,713.17 at 12:06pm. Finally, the index closed at 114,398.69, up by 685.52 points or 0.6pc, from the previous close. Yousuf M. Farooq, director research at Chase Securities, said, “The market is upbeat following media reports that the government has convinced banks to lend Rs1.25 trillion at an interest rate of less than 11pc to clear…

Most analysts predict a seventh consecutive rate cut by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Monday, amid the first International Monetary Fund (IMF) review of a $7-billion bailout at the time of the lowest inflation in nearly a decade. The country could unlock a further tranche of funding if the IMF review is approved before the budget is unveiled in June, as it pursues economic reforms mandated by the IMF programme. The central bank’s easing cycle, one of the most aggressive among emerging markets, follows a series of rate cuts totalling 1,000 basis points (bps) over six months, which…

Attention turns to February’s nonfarm payrolls data for insights on the U.S. economy Oil prices moved little on Friday, hovering near their weakest levels for the year, and were also headed for steep weekly losses as fears of more U.S. trade tariffs battered markets. Concerns over increasing supply also dented oil prices this week, after the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies (OPEC+) voted to increase production, albeit marginally. Data showing a bigger-than-expected build in U.S. oil inventories weighed on oil prices, especially as it came amid increasing fears of slowing fuel demand.Brent oil futures expiring in May rose…

Contact was lost minutes into the test flight as the spacecraft spiraled down and disintegratedNearly two months following an explosion that showered flaming debris over the Turks and Caicos, SpaceX conducted another substantial Starship rocket launch on Thursday. However, contact was lost minutes into the test flight as the spacecraft spiraled down and disintegrated.This time, remnants from the latest explosion were seen descending from the skies above Florida. It remains uncertain if the spacecraft’s self-destruct system activated to obliterate it. The 403-foot (123-meter) rocket lifted off from Texas. SpaceX successfully caught the first-stage booster back at the pad with massive…

Contact was lost minutes into the test flight as the spacecraft spiraled down and disintegratedNearly two months following an explosion that showered flaming debris over the Turks and Caicos, SpaceX conducted another substantial Starship rocket launch on Thursday. However, contact was lost minutes into the test flight as the spacecraft spiraled down and disintegrated.This time, remnants from the latest explosion were seen descending from the skies above Florida. It remains uncertain if the spacecraft’s self-destruct system activated to obliterate it. The 403-foot (123-meter) rocket lifted off from Texas. SpaceX successfully caught the first-stage booster back at the pad with massive…

Etihad Credit Insurance CEO discusses the importance of networking and strategic foresight A trailblazer in the finance field, H.E. Raja Al Mazrouei is currently at the helm of Etihad Credit Insurance (ECI) as its CEO. Since her appointment in late 2022, she has driven a digital-first approach, championed SME growth, and emphasized sustainable trade strategies to help boost the country’s trade finance landscape and its overall economic resilience.Her strategy is backed by years of experience, holding executive roles in renowned entities such as the Higher Colleges of Technology, Dubai Holding, National Bonds Corporation, Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC), and DIFC…

A highly respected advocate of women’s education and empowerment, Her Excellency takes pride in industry-aligned programs and global engagements that advance women’s leadershipEducation is a known catalyst for change. And while trailblazers have carved out the path for more women to break into leadership — whether in academia, business, or beyond — creating real opportunities requires institutions and environments that support and nurture future leaders.One such champion of this vision is Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi. Currently, she sits as the chairperson of the board of trustees and president of the American University of Sharjah (AUS) while…

As China’s political elite gather for the country’s annual legislative sessions in March, we examine the broader forces likely to influence policies for the coming year – and how decision-makers will respond to the unpredictable second term of US President Donald Trump. In the sixth part of a series, Frank Chen reports on China’s first privately owned high-speed railways and how they reflect the wider challenges facing the private sector.When the first bullet train roared along a new high-speed rail line in eastern China’s Zhejiang province in September, the project’s investors were ecstatic.The 350km/h railway would not only slash travel…

Rupee’s Performance Against US Dollar Since 15 Jan 2025 The Pakistani rupee recorded marginal decline against the US dollar, depreciating 0.05% in the inter-bank market on Friday. At close, the rupee settled at 279.97, a loss of Re0.15 against the greenback. On Thursday, the rupee had closed at 279.82. Internationally, the US dollar wallowed near a four-month low on Friday as ever-shifting tariff policies fanned uncertainty and increased concern about growth prospects for the world’s largest economy, leaving investors grasping for jobs data due later in the day. Another reprieve of levies aimed at Mexico and Canada announced by US…

Buying rally continued at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), with the benchmark KSE-100 Index closing the final session of the week with a gain of nearly 700 points. The bourse maintained a positive trend throughout the trading session, with the benchmark index hitting an intra-day high of 114,721.58. At close, the KSE-100 Index settled at 114,398.69 level, an increase of 685.52 points or 0.6%. Buying was observed in key sectors including commercial banks, fertilizer, oil and gas exploration companies, OMCs, power generation and refinery. Index-heavy stocks including ARL, NRL, HUBCO, PSO, SNGPL, POL, PPL, HBL, MCB and NBP traded in…