News Archives for Business & Finance - 2026-02-18

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Business & Finance - 2026-02-18

Business & Finance

Textile exporters reject new levy on off-grid captive power plants

Petroleum Division announced Rs1,243 per MMBtu levy on off-grid captive power plants for December 2025 under Off-Grid (Captive Power Plants) Levy Act, 2025

Published 18 Feb, 2026 11:22pm

Business & Finance

SBP announces office, banking hours for Ramadan

Ramadan begins on February 19, 2026

Published 18 Feb, 2026 09:57pm

Industry

Govt–industry dialogue key to sustainable growth: minister

Exports, growth, and job creation must be driven by private sector, says Bilal Azhar Kayani

Published 18 Feb, 2026 09:49pm

Markets

US factory output beats expectations on manufacturing uptick

Industrial output rose by 0.7 percent month-on-month

Published 18 Feb, 2026 08:24pm

Markets

Vodafone sells 50% stake in VodafoneZiggo for $1.18 billion to partner Liberty Global

This transaction delivers 1 billion euros in cash to Vodafone

Published 18 Feb, 2026 08:08pm

Stocks

Wall St on track for higher open as tech concerns abate

S&P 500 ending 0.1% higher after falling as much as 0.9% early in the session

Published 18 Feb, 2026 08:03pm

Middle East

Saudi’s Humain invested $3 billion in xAI’s Series E funding round

The investment made Humain a 'significant' minority shareholder, with its xAI holdings converted into SpaceX shares

Published 18 Feb, 2026 07:44pm

Markets

Unilever’s India arm to invest up to $221 million in high-growth categories

It will deploy the investment over two years to scale up capacity in categories such as beauty, wellbeing and home care liquids

Published 18 Feb, 2026 07:35pm

Technology

Pakistan IT exports surge nearly 20% to $2.61bn in July–January

Increase in export receipts driven by higher foreign earnings from IT companies

Published 18 Feb, 2026 07:31pm

Markets

PTA set to hold 5G spectrum auction on March 10

PTA chairman Hafeez ur Rehman says improved connectivity critical for achieving Digital Pakistan, cashless economy objectives

Published 18 Feb, 2026 06:49pm

Stocks

Most Gulf markets gain on signs of progress in US-Iran talks

Saudi Arabia’s benchmark index gained 0.5%
Dubai’s main share index advanced 1.2%

Published 18 Feb, 2026 06:46pm

Financial

India debt switch pinches bond traders, 10-year yield snaps 6-day falling streak

Benchmark 6.48% 2035 bond yield ended at 6.6780%

Published 18 Feb, 2026 06:23pm

Europe

ECB President Lagarde plans to quit before Macron’s term ends, reports

'President Lagarde is totally focused on her mission and has not taken any decision regarding the end of her term.' ECB

Published 18 Feb, 2026 05:49pm

Stocks

Sri Lankan shares rise as communication services gain

CSE All Share index settled up 0.16% at 23,919.84

Published 18 Feb, 2026 05:36pm

Commodities

Copper rises on dip buying in thin trade

Benchmark copper on the LME was up 1.1% at $12,755.50 a metric ton

Published 18 Feb, 2026 05:26pm

Exchange

Rupee sees marginal gain against US dollar

Currency settles at 279.57

Updated 18 Feb, 2026 08:54pm

Companies

Car parts maker Valeo to invest over 200 million euros to drive India sales

Valeo said it would be investing more than 200 million euros in the coming years to expand its presence in India

Published 18 Feb, 2026 04:49pm

Commodities

India sugar output seen lower than forecast, curbing exports

India is expected to produce between 28.5 million and 29 million metric tons of sugar

Published 18 Feb, 2026 04:42pm

USA

Fed minutes could highlight shift in balance of risks as policymakers put rates on hold

The Fed tries to maintain maximum employment consistent with 2% annual inflation

Published 18 Feb, 2026 04:26pm

USA

Meta’s Zuckerberg faces questioning at youth addiction trial

The lawsuit and others like it are part of a global backlash against social media platforms over children’s mental health

Published 18 Feb, 2026 04:20pm

Stocks

Financials, metals help Indian benchmark shares end higher; IT caps gains

Nifty 50 rose 0.37% to 25,819.35 and the BSE Sensex added 0.34% to 83,734.25

Published 18 Feb, 2026 04:14pm

Forex

Indian rupee ends little changed, volatility expectations dip to one-month low

Indian rupee closed at 90.6675 per dollar

Published 18 Feb, 2026 04:11pm

Companies

Fast Cables Limited completes IPO-funded expansion

Says expansion resulted in enhanced production capacity and the induction of advanced, state-of-the-art machinery

Published 18 Feb, 2026 02:20pm

Financial

Gold per tola gains Rs1,300 in Pakistan

10-gram gold sold at Rs442,439

Published 18 Feb, 2026 12:23pm

Business & Finance

Pakistan’s mobile phone imports surge 31.4% to $1.139bn in first seven months of FY2025–26

Total value of mobile phone imports stands at Rs321.137 billion

Updated 18 Feb, 2026 06:10pm

Markets

Microsoft says it is on pace to invest $50 billion in ‘Global South’ AI push

The announcement was made at the AI summit in New Delhi, where top executives from global AI giants meet several world leaders this week

Published 18 Feb, 2026 11:48am

Markets

Indian data center firm Yotta to build $2 billion AI hub with Nvidia’s Blackwell chips

The investment also comes amid US export controls that have reshaped global supply chains for advanced AI chips

Published 18 Feb, 2026 11:45am

Business & Finance

Pakistan’s chemical manufacturers seek policy reset amid cost pressures

Kamal suggested that Pakistan can seek preferential market access for selected domestic products

Published 18 Feb, 2026 11:33am

Markets

ECB’s Lagarde focused on job, not taken decision on leaving, ECB says

Christine Lagarde is focused on her job and has not taken any decision regarding the end of her term

Published 18 Feb, 2026 11:33am

Forex

South African rand flat ahead of local data

The rand traded at 16.0125 against the dollar, little changed from its previous close of 16.0175

Published 18 Feb, 2026 11:28am

Energy

Global Energy Alliance seeking to raise $100 million by 2028 to digitise India’s electric grids, CEO says

GEAPP is a philanthropic body backed by The Rockefeller Foundation, IKEA Foundation and the Bezos Earth Fund

Published 18 Feb, 2026 11:05am

Commodities

Soybeans hit 3-month high on China demand hopes; wheat firms

The most-active soybean contract on the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) added 0.6% to $11.55-1/4 a bushel

Published 18 Feb, 2026 10:38am

Forex

NZ dollar skids as RBNZ flags loose policy, undershoots market hawks

The kiwi dollar dropped 0.8% to $0.6002, breaching a trough of $0.6005 hit overnight

Published 18 Feb, 2026 10:33am

Stocks

Australian shares climb as NAB sets peak, BlueScope jumps on improved bid

The S&P/ASX 200 index was up 0.5% at 9,005 points

Published 18 Feb, 2026 10:30am

Stocks

Japan’s Nikkei rises 1%, tech shares seen involved in $550bn US deal gain

The Nikkei rose 1% to 57,131.89

Published 18 Feb, 2026 10:28am

Bullion Rate

Gold rises from one-week low ahead of FOMC minutes

Spot gold rose 1.1% to $4,929.69 per ounce

Published 18 Feb, 2026 10:25am

Business & Finance

Samba appoints Rashid Jahangir as full-time pesident/CEO

Appointment subject to approval of the State Bank of Pakistan

Updated 18 Feb, 2026 10:46am

Stocks

Positive sentiments return, KSE-100 gains nearly 3.3%

Benchmark index gains over 5,700 points

Updated 18 Feb, 2026 06:06pm

Forex

Indian rupee hemmed in by mild Asia weakness, RBI backstop at 90.70-90.80

The 1-month non-deliverable forward indicated the rupee will open in the 90.66-90.70 range versus the US dollar, having settled at 90.6725 on Tuesday

Published 18 Feb, 2026 07:56am

Forex

Dollar firm as focus turns to peace talks; Kiwi hit by RBNZ’s easy stance

The kiwi dollar was the main mover in currency markets in the Asian morning

Updated 18 Feb, 2026 10:34am

Stocks

Indian shares set to open flat, analysts expect further consolidation

The Gift Nifty futures were trading at 25,759.5 points

Published 18 Feb, 2026 07:49am

Stocks

Asia stocks rise despite lingering AI worries, oil down after US-Iran talks

Mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and South Korean were among markets closed for Lunar New Year holidays

Published 18 Feb, 2026 07:47am

Energy

Oil gains 3% as Russia-Ukraine talks abruptly end, Iran-US tensions support

Brent crude oil futures up $1.96, or 2.9%, to $69.38 a barrel
US WTI crude gains $1.75, or 2.8%, to $64.08

Updated 18 Feb, 2026 09:16pm

Cotton & Textile

First Cotton Advisory meeting held in Multan: Farmers urged to apply ‘balanced’ fertilizers

LAHORE: The first Cotton Advisory meeting of the Technical Advisory Committee was held at the Central Cotton ...

Published 18 Feb, 2026 07:34am

Taxes

KTBA raises concerns over Super Tax recovery exercise

KARACHI: Karachi Tax Bar Association (KTBA) has raised serious concerns over the ongoing Super Tax recovery ...

Published 18 Feb, 2026 07:32am

Industry

PAAPAM launches 21st edition of PAPS-2026 under theme ‘Make in Pakistan’

LAHORE: Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts & Accessories Manufacturers (PAAPAM) organized a special...

Published 18 Feb, 2026 07:30am

Industry

LCCI chief for giving jewellery sector status of formal industry

LAHORE: A standing committee meeting on reforms in the gems and jewellery sector was held under the chairmanship of...

Published 18 Feb, 2026 07:28am

Business & Finance

Shipping agents, freight forwarders told to refund illegal charges

KARACHI: The Customs Collectorate (HQ) Exports & IOCO has issued strict directives to shipping agents and ...

Published 18 Feb, 2026 07:26am

Business & Finance

FBR revises centralised customs examination system

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has revised the Centralised Customs Examination system by allocating a...

Published 18 Feb, 2026 07:25am

Business & Finance

EDB unveils draft of ‘Mobile and Electronics Policy 2026-33’

ISLAMABAD: The Engineering Development Board (EDB) on Tuesday unveiled the draft of the Mobile and Electronics ...

Published 18 Feb, 2026 07:15am

Energy

SNGPL says will ensure uninterrupted supply to consumers

ISLAMABAD: Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Ltd (SNGPL) on Tuesday announced to supply uninterrupted gas supply to ...

Published 18 Feb, 2026 07:13am

Companies

OGDCL signs contract with French co on WIS installation

ISLAMABAD: Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) on Tuesday signed a contract with SNF S.A., a French...

Published 18 Feb, 2026 07:11am

Money & Banking

Bank holiday

KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) will remain closed for public dealing on 1st Ramazan-ul-Mubarak, 1447 ...

Published 18 Feb, 2026 07:02am

Business & Finance

EIDMC Board chief not independent director: PD

ISLAMABAD: The Power Division has taken the position that the Chairman of the Energy Infrastructure Development ...

Published 18 Feb, 2026 07:00am

Business & Finance

Foreign cars flow to Russia through China

MOSCOW: Tens of thousands of cars are being exported from China to Russia under gray-market schemes that often...

Published 18 Feb, 2026 06:56am

Industry

SEDF, Accelerate Prosperity ink MoU for SMEs financing

KARACHI: The Sindh Enterprise Development Fund (SEDF) and Accelerate Prosperity (AP), a programme of the Aga Khan...

Updated 18 Feb, 2026 06:17am

Companies

BOP posts record financial performance

LAHORE: In a meeting held on February 17, 2026, the Board of Directors of The Bank of Punjab (BOP) approved the...

Updated 18 Feb, 2026 07:20am

World

Bayer proposes class settlement for weedkiller cancer claims

FRANKFURT, (Germany): German agrochemical giant Bayer said Tuesday its subsidiary Monsanto had proposed a class...

Updated 18 Feb, 2026 07:19am

Technology

AI ‘arms race’ risks human extinction, warns top computing expert

NEW DELHI: Tech CEOs are locked in an artificial intelligence “arms race” that risks wiping out humanity, top...

Updated 18 Feb, 2026 07:19am

Industry

Indonesian CG visits KATI’s office to strengthen economic diplomacy

KARACHI: The Consul General of Indonesia in Karachi, Mudzakir, visited the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry...

Updated 18 Feb, 2026 07:18am

Business & Finance

SECP issues list of 125 dissolved companies

ISLAMABAD: The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has released a list of 125 foreign companies -...

Updated 18 Feb, 2026 07:18am

Business & Finance

Informal economy: Over 80pc of workers employed with limited rights, social security: ILO

ISLAMABAD: International Labour Organisation (ILO) findings showed that more than 80 percent of workers in Pakistan...

Updated 18 Feb, 2026 07:18am

Industry

Ex Fata/Pata industrialists protest installation of POS system

PESHAWAR: Industrialists, workers and traders associated with the industries in erstwhile FATA/ PATA staged a...

Updated 18 Feb, 2026 07:18am

Companies

Huawei committed to support Pak digital transformation

ISLAMABAD: Huawei, a global leader in ICT solutions, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Pakistan’s digital...

Updated 18 Feb, 2026 07:18am

Industry

SMEDA, TDAP resolve to advance Implementation Cooperation Framework Agreement

LAHORE: The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) and the Trade Development Authority of...

Updated 18 Feb, 2026 07:17am

Business & Finance

Bodies not holding meetings regularly: ‘Station change requests’ piling up in FBR

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) had issued stern instructions that the use of extraneous influence by...

Updated 18 Feb, 2026 07:17am

Business & Finance

Remittance boost: C/A back to surplus in Jan

KARACHI: Pakistan’s current account returned to surplus in January 2026, supported by higher inflows of workers’...

Published 18 Feb, 2026 05:55am

Pakistan

FBR partners with LUMS to upskill FBR officers

ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has signed contract with the Lahore University of Management Sciences...

Updated 18 Feb, 2026 07:20am

Previous Day

BR100
BR30
KSE100
KSE30
KMI30

1D 5D 3M 6M 1Y

Forex
World
Commodity

Currency	Rate
USD PKR Interbank Selling / Jul 27	278.06
USD PKR Interbank Buying / Jul 27	277.86
USD to Japanese Yen / Jul 28	163.75
USD to Swiss Franc / Jul 28	0.82
Pound Sterling to USD / Jul 28	1.33
Euro to USD / Jul 28	1.14
SOFR % / Jul 27	3.64

Stock	Volume
S&P 500 / Jul 27	7,413.18
Nasdaq / Jul 27	24,932.08
Dow Jones / Jul 27	52,210.08
India Sensex / Jul 28	76,916.26
Tokyo Nikkei / Jul 28	62,078.15
Hang Seng / Jul 28	25,254.48
FTSE 100 / Jul 28	10,802
Germany DAX 30 / Jul 28	25,507.27
France CAC40 / Jul 28	8,432.64

Item	Value
Karachi Cotton PKR/37.32 KG / Jul 27	18,480
Gold 10 Grams PKR / Jul 27	370,144
Crude Oil USD/Barrel / Jul 28	82.05
Gold Spot USD/Ounce / Jul 28	4,040.61
Cotton US¢/pound / Jul 28	80.50
Petrol/Litre / Jul 29	335.81
Diesel/Litre / Jul 29	388.38

Gainers
Losers
Leaders

Stock	Price
Siddiqsons Tin / Jul 28 Siddiqsons Tin Plate Limited(STPL)	9.18 ▲ 1 (12.22%)
Gulistan Sp. / Jul 28 Gulistan Spinning Mills Limited(GUSM)	9.65 ▲ 1 (11.56%)
Gulshan Sp. / Jul 28 Gulshan Spinning Mills Limited(GSPM)	7.09 ▲ 0.7 (10.95%)
Khalid Siraj / Jul 28 Khalid Siraj Textile Mills Limited(KSTM)	14.80 ▲ 1.35 (10.04%)
Intermarket Securities / Jul 28 Intermarket Securities Limited(IMS)	26.79 ▲ 2.44 (10.02%)
Adamjee Ins. / Jul 28 Adamjee Insurance Company Limited(AICL)	90.56 ▲ 8.23 (10%)
Baba Farid Sugar / Jul 28 Baba Farid Sugar Mills Limited(BAFS)	546.95 ▲ 49.72 (10%)
First Tri-Star Mod. / Jul 28 First Tri-Star Modaraba(FTSM)	37.96 ▲ 3.45 (10%)
Khairpur Sug. / Jul 28 Khairpur Sugar Mills Limited(KPUS)	1,337.15 ▲ 121.56 (10%)
National Silk / Jul 28 The National Silk & Rayon Mills Limited(NSRM)	304.10 ▲ 27.65 (10%)

Stock	Price
Trust Sec.& Brok. / Jul 28 Trust Securities & Brokerage Limited(TSBL)	2.30 ▼ -0.3 (-11.54%)
Asia Ins. / Jul 28 Asia Insurance Company Limited(ASIC)	44.51 ▼ -4.95 (-10.01%)
Olympia Mills / Jul 28 Olympia Mills Limited(OML)	140.34 ▼ -15.59 (-10%)
TPL Insurance / Jul 28 TPL Insurance Limited(TPLI)	72.29 ▼ -8.03 (-10%)
Pakistan Credit Rating Agency / Jul 28 The Pakistan Credit Rating Agency Ltd(GEMPACRA)	32.52 ▼ -3.5 (-9.72%)
Nets Internat.Comm. / Jul 28 Nets International Communication Limited(GEMNETS)	23.50 ▼ -2.5 (-9.62%)
Ruby Textile / Jul 28 Ruby Textile Mills Limited(RUBY)	16.59 ▼ -1.71 (-9.34%)
First IBL Mod. / Jul 28 First IBL Modaraba(FIBLM)	15.24 ▼ -1.43 (-8.58%)
Shahzad Tex. / Jul 28 Shahzad Textile Mills Limited(SZTM)	88.84 ▼ -8.05 (-8.31%)
S.G.Power / Jul 28 S.G. Power Limited(SGPL)	70.57 ▼ -6.08 (-7.93%)

Stock	Volume
Cnergyico PK / Jul 28 Cnergyico PK Limited(CNERGY)	273,053,795 ▲ 0.19
WorldCall Telecom / Jul 28 Worldcall Telecom Limited(WTL)	72,249,659 ▼ -0.04
Trust Sec.& Brok. / Jul 28 Trust Securities & Brokerage Limited(TSBL)	63,665,301 ▼ -0.3
Pak Refinery / Jul 28 Pakistan Refinery Limited(PRL)	38,899,025 ▲ 3.64
Maple Leaf Cement / Jul 28 Maple Leaf Cement Factory Limited(MLCF)	24,346,490 ▲ 0.35
Ghani Chem. Ind. / Jul 28 Ghani Chemical Industries Limited(GCIL)	22,754,780 ▲ 1.24
TPL Corp Ltd / Jul 28 TPL Corp Limited(TPL)	21,763,143 ▲ 0.21
Siddiqsons Tin / Jul 28 Siddiqsons Tin Plate Limited(STPL)	18,863,138 ▲ 1
K-Electric Ltd. / Jul 28 K-Electric Limited(KEL)	15,390,222 ▼ -0.08
Intermarket Securities / Jul 28 Intermarket Securities Limited(IMS)	14,668,681 ▲ 2.44

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