News Archives for Business & Finance - 2026-03-04

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Business & Finance - 2026-03-04

Markets

Shipping giant Maersk suspends bookings in Gulf ‘until further notice’

Exceptions will be made for critical foodstuff, medicine, and other essential goods, Danish company says

Published 04 Mar, 2026 11:47pm

Markets

Middle East crisis: Qatar declared force majeure on gas exports

Force majeure is a clause that frees parties from liability if any failure to meet supply obligations is due to events beyond their control

Published 04 Mar, 2026 09:40pm

Markets

Pakistan cuts gas for some industry buyers as Middle East war upends supply: report

Middle East conflict has caused the most extensive disruption to the global energy trade since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022

Published 04 Mar, 2026 08:43pm

Stocks

UAE bourses slide after markets reopen from two-day halt during Iranian attacks

Dubai’s main share index slid 4.7%
Saudi Arabia’s benchmark index finished 1.2% higher

Published 04 Mar, 2026 07:28pm

Stocks

Sri Lankan shares end higher on healthcare, IT gains

CSE All-Share index settled up 0.6% at 22,577.41 points

Published 04 Mar, 2026 07:23pm

Energy

Pakistan seeks Saudi oil supplies via Yanbu port after Hormuz disruption

Riyadh reaffirmed it would support Pakistan in meeting its emergency energy needs

Published 04 Mar, 2026 05:08pm

Energy

Pakistan’s OGDCL plans output boost as LNG supply risks rise

OGDCL aims to raise natural gas output by 5% to 865 million cubic feet per day

Published 04 Mar, 2026 04:58pm

Commodities

Firmer China factory data lift copper, other base metals

Benchmark three-month copper on the London Metal Exchange gained 1.5% to $13,150 a metric ton

Published 04 Mar, 2026 04:47pm

Commodities

Palm ends lower tracking Chicago soyoil, profit-taking

Benchmark palm oil contract for May delivery on the BMDE lost 8 ringgit, or 0.19%, to 4,178 ringgit a metric ton

Published 04 Mar, 2026 04:44pm

Companies

MRPL declares force majeure on gasoline export cargoes for March, April, traders say

The state-run refiner, which runs a 300,000-barrel-per-day refinery in the southern state of Karnataka

Published 04 Mar, 2026 04:40pm

Forex

Oil surge drags Indian rupee to record low; importers scramble to hedge

India’s benchmark equity indexes - the BSE Sensex and Nifty 50 - fell more than 1% each

Published 04 Mar, 2026 04:34pm

Stocks

Indian shares slide as Mideast conflict ratchets up oil prices, stokes inflation fears

Nifty 50 fell 1.55% to a six-month closing low of 24,480.50 and the BSE Sensex shed 1.4% to an 11-month low of 79,116.19

Published 04 Mar, 2026 04:30pm

Exchange

Rupee records marginal gain against US dollar

Local currency settles at 279.42

Updated 04 Mar, 2026 08:54pm

Energy

Govt monitoring petroleum supplies amid Gulf tensions: Aurangzeb

The delegation shared general industry perspectives on logistics and supply considerations amid international market volatility

Published 04 Mar, 2026 02:47pm

Companies

CCP approves ISE Towers REIT asset transfer to subsidiary after Phase-I review

The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) approved the proposed restructuring and transfer of designated real...

Published 04 Mar, 2026 02:37pm

Energy

Energy crisis in Strait of Hormuz could hit Pakistan’s exports: APTMA

APTMA noted that the sharp rise in energy prices is expected to widen Pakistan’s current account deficit

Published 04 Mar, 2026 01:55pm

Energy

OGDCL strikes major oil & gas discovery in Kohat

Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL), one of Pakistan’s largest exploration and production (E&P)...

Updated 04 Mar, 2026 01:30pm

Commodities

Gold price drops by Rs10,000 per tola in Pakistan

International rate of gold declines by $100 to reach $5,172 per ounce

Published 04 Mar, 2026 12:50pm

Companies

Gulf conflict hits Pakistan fertiliser sector as Agritech shuts urea plant

More than 20% of global oil is moved through the Strait of Hormuz

Published 04 Mar, 2026 12:28pm

Business & Finance

Supernet appoints Jamal Nasir Khan as CEO

Supernet announced on Wednesday the appointment of Jamal Nasir Khan as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The...

Published 04 Mar, 2026 11:58am

Mutual Funds

Vietnam raises $185mn in government bond auction

The uptake was also lower, with 36% of the bonds on offer sold, compared with 52% last week

Published 04 Mar, 2026 11:37am

Forex

China’s yuan hovers near one-month low on widening Mideast war; corporate demand limits losses

The onshore yuan slipped to 6.9288 per dollar at one point in early trading, not far from a trough of 6.9297 hit late on Tuesday

Published 04 Mar, 2026 11:19am

Stocks

China, HK stocks fall on Middle East worries; focus on NPC for policy cues

The blue-chip CSI300 Index fell 1.6%, while the Shanghai Composite Index lost 1.4%

Published 04 Mar, 2026 11:17am

Markets

Indonesian media report Fitch cuts Indonesia rating outlook to negative

Fitch did not immediately respond to Reuters calls and e-mails seeking confirmation

Published 04 Mar, 2026 11:15am

Energy

Hormuz shutdown could force Iraq, Kuwait to curb oil output within days, JP Morgan says

Trump said on Tuesday that the US ⁠Navy could begin escorting oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz if necessary

Published 04 Mar, 2026 11:00am

Commodities

CBOT soybeans edge lower on China demand uncertainty, Brazil harvest

The most-active soybean contract on the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) lost 0.09% to $11.69-1/2 a bushel

Updated 04 Mar, 2026 11:39pm

Commodities

Palm snaps three sessions of gains on weak Chicago, Dalian edible oils

benchmark palm oil contract for May delivery on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange lost 33 ringgit, or 0.79%, to 4,153 ringgit a metric ton

Published 04 Mar, 2026 10:37am

Commodities

Iron ore consolidates ahead of China’s annual parliamentary meeting

The most-traded iron ore contract on China’s Dalian Commodity Exchange erased earlier gains to slide 0.33% to 746.5 yuan a metric ton

Published 04 Mar, 2026 10:35am

Commodities

Aluminium climbs on supply fears as Middle East conflict escalates

The Middle East accounts for around 8% of global aluminium capacity

Published 04 Mar, 2026 10:34am

Forex

Australia, New Zealand dollars shaken by market tremors, solid data no help

The Aussie was off 0.3% at $0.7010, after a wild session overnight saw it dive as deep as $0.69445 before paring losses

Published 04 Mar, 2026 10:31am

Stocks

Japan’s Nikkei tanks more than 4% as Middle East conflict intensifies

The Nikkei fell as much as 4.7% soon after trading resumed in the afternoon

Published 04 Mar, 2026 10:29am

Stocks

Australian shares tumble over 2% as hot GDP data rekindles rate-hike bets

The S&P/ASX 200 slid as much as 2.2% to 8,881.90

Published 04 Mar, 2026 10:28am

Energy

Pakistan to seek IMF relief on furnace oil carbon levy amid Gulf crisis

Ali emphasised that the government remains committed to protecting the IMF programme

Published 04 Mar, 2026 10:15am

Stocks

Selling returns to bourse, KSE-100 sheds over 1,300 points

Benchmark index settles at 155,777.21

Updated 04 Mar, 2026 03:05pm

Companies

Allied Bank sets new benchmark in customer experience with Pakistan’s first humanoid robot

Allied Bank has achieved a major milestone in customer centric innovation by becoming the first bank in Pakistan to...

Published 04 Mar, 2026 09:00am

Stocks

Indian shares set to open lower as Mideast conflict drives oil surge

The Gift Nifty futures were trading ‌at 24,442.5 points

Published 04 Mar, 2026 08:40am

Forex

Indian rupee may slide past 92 to record low as Mideast war fires up oil prices

The 1-month non-deliverable forward indicated the rupee will open in the 92.10-92.20 range versus the US dollar, having settled at 91.47 on Monday

Published 04 Mar, 2026 08:28am

Bullion Rate

Gold climbs over 1% as US-Israeli strikes on Iran fuel safe‑haven demand

Spot gold gained 1.6% to $5,168.69 per ounce
US gold futures for April delivery added 1.1% to $5,178.40
Spot platinum added 2.7% to $2,139.56 per ounce

Updated 04 Mar, 2026 01:51pm

Forex

Dollar firms, euro under pressure as energy prices surge

The euro traded down 0.3% at $1.1581, extending losses into a third day after earlier hitting its weakest since late November

Updated 04 Mar, 2026 10:16am

Stocks

Asia stocks slump as markets brace for energy shock

Japan's Nikkei slid 2.5% in a third straight session of losses

Published 04 Mar, 2026 08:15am

Energy

Oil near multi-month highs on Middle East conflict, pares gain on report of US-Iran talks

Brent crude was up 27 cents, or 0.3%, to $81.67 per barrel
US WTI crude was down 53 cents, or 0.7%, to $74.03

Updated 04 Mar, 2026 08:13pm

Industry

Smeda, FAO launch project to convert banana waste into fibre

LAHORE: The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (Smeda), in collaboration with the Food and...

Published 04 Mar, 2026 03:57am

Business & Finance

President LCCI for urgent, decisive policy measures to stabilize economy

LAHORE: President of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Faheem ur Rehman Saigol, has expressed deep...

Published 04 Mar, 2026 03:57am

Business & Finance

World Bank rates ASPIRE programme as satisfactory

ISLAMABAD: The World Bank has rated Pakistan’s Actions to Strengthen Performance for Inclusive and Responsive...

Published 04 Mar, 2026 03:57am

Business & Finance

Auto industry: FBR regulations influence cost structure, competitiveness: CCP

ISLAMABAD: The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has disclosed that the Federal Board of Revenue’s...

Published 04 Mar, 2026 03:57am

Pakistan

Middle East situation: Minister seeks allies’ help amid economic pressure

KARACHI: Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervez Malik said on Tuesday that the government is fully aware of the...

Updated 04 Mar, 2026 05:45am

World

Amazon cloud unit’s data centres in UAE, Bahrain damaged in drone strikes

MANAMA: Amazon said on Monday some of its data centers in the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain were damaged by drone...

Published 04 Mar, 2026 03:57am

Energy

Global energy prices soar

LONDON: Global oil and gas prices jumped on Tuesday as the US-Israeli war on Iran halted energy exports from the...

Published 04 Mar, 2026 03:57am

Business & Finance

Failure to produce records before court: ATIR Lahore asks FBR to take strict action against taxmen

ISLAMABAD: Appellate Tribunal of Inland Revenue, Lahore, has directed the Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue...

Published 04 Mar, 2026 03:57am

Business & Finance

AHCL-led consortium: PC Board requests CCoP to approve inclusion of FFC

ISLAMABAD: The Privatisation Commission Board has requested the Cabinet Committee on Privatisation (CCoP) to approve...

Published 04 Mar, 2026 03:57am

Companies

NBP partners with Arcana Info to strengthen digital infrastructure

KARACHI: National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) has embarked on the journey towards integration of technology systems via...

Published 04 Mar, 2026 03:57am

Business & Finance

Saudi Arabia’s non-oil business growth falls

ABU DHABI: Growth in Saudi Arabia’s non-oil private sector slowed slightly in February, reaching its lowest level in...

Published 04 Mar, 2026 03:57am

Business & Finance

Millions of dollars in crypto left Iranian exchanges after strikes

PARIS: Outflows from Iranian crypto exchanges spiked in the hours after the US and Israeli strikes on Iran on...

Updated 04 Mar, 2026 07:28am

Money & Banking

ABL sets new benchmark in customer experience with Pakistan’s first humanoid robot

LAHORE: Allied Bank has achieved a major milestone in customer centric innovation by becoming the first bank in...

Published 04 Mar, 2026 03:57am

Business & Finance

MWC Barcelona: PM’s cashless economy initiative takes global stage

KARACHI: Pakistan’s digital payments ecosystem is evolving from innovation to infrastructure, with Prime Minister...

Published 04 Mar, 2026 03:57am

Industry

Women Chambers: FPCCI advocates for relief

KARACHI: Atif Ikram Sheikh, President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI), has...

Published 04 Mar, 2026 03:57am

Companies

Mobilink Bank, SEDF join forces for MSME financing

KARACHI: Mobilink Microfinance Bank has entered into a five-year partnership with Sindh Enterprise Development Fund...

Published 04 Mar, 2026 03:57am

Companies

True impact to be measured by trust AI earns: JazzWorld CEO

ISLAMABAD: “Artificial Intelligence is transforming finance, but its true impact will be measured by the trust it...

Published 04 Mar, 2026 03:57am

Business & Finance

EPBD sounds alarm over worsening trade gap

ISLAMABAD: President Economic Policy and Business Development (EPBD) think tank and former minister Gohar Ejaz has...

Published 04 Mar, 2026 03:57am

Business & Finance

Tajikistan via Gilgit: Aleem underscores need for direct land corridor

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan floated an idea to establish a direct land corridor...

Published 04 Mar, 2026 03:57am

Companies

Unity Foods emphasises transparency & good governance

KARACHI: Unity Foods Limited places strong emphasis on transparency and good governance. The Company issues this...

Published 04 Mar, 2026 03:57am

Industry

Women Chambers of Commerce: BMG, BMP demand 50pc cut in fee

KARACHI: S. M. Tanveer, Patron-in-Chief of United Business Group (UBG) and former Provincial Minister, along with...

Published 04 Mar, 2026 03:57am

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 27	163.74
USD to Swiss Franc / Jul 27	0.82
Pound Sterling to USD / Jul 27	1.33
Euro to USD / Jul 27	1.14
SOFR % / Jul 27	3.64

Stock	Volume
S&P 500 / Jul 27	7,413.18
India Sensex / Jul 27	76,835.78
Tokyo Nikkei / Jul 27	64,931.19
Nasdaq / Jul 27	24,932.08
Hang Seng / Jul 27	25,207.18
FTSE 100 / Jul 27	10,781.75
Dow Jones / Jul 27	52,210.08
Germany DAX 30 / Jul 27	25,361.03
France CAC40 / Jul 27	8,406.06

Item	Value
Crude Oil USD/Barrel / Jul 27	81.74
Karachi Cotton PKR/37.32 KG / Jul 27	18,480
Gold 10 Grams PKR / Jul 27	370,144
Gold Spot USD/Ounce / Jul 27	4,051
Cotton US¢/pound / Jul 27	80.38
Petrol/Litre / Jul 28	334.18
Diesel/Litre / Jul 28	386.83

Gainers
Losers
Leaders

Stock	Price
Trust Sec.& Brok. / Jul 27 Trust Securities & Brokerage Limited(TSBL)	2.60 ▲ 0.36 (16.07%)
Waves Corporation / Jul 27 Waves Corporation Limited(WAVES)	10.95 ▲ 1 (10.05%)
Cresent Jute / Jul 27 Crescent Jute Products Limited(CJPL)	20.41 ▲ 1.86 (10.03%)
First IBL Mod. / Jul 27 First IBL Modaraba(FIBLM)	16.67 ▲ 1.52 (10.03%)
First Tri-Star Mod. / Jul 27 First Tri-Star Modaraba(FTSM)	34.51 ▲ 3.14 (10.01%)
Oilboy Energy / Jul 27 Oilboy Energy Limited(OBOY)	16.71 ▲ 1.52 (10.01%)
Service Textile / Jul 27 Service Industries Textiles Limited(SERT)	47.92 ▲ 4.36 (10.01%)
Thatta Cement / Jul 27 Thatta Cement Company Limited(THCCL)	65.75 ▲ 5.98 (10.01%)
Crescent Cotton / Jul 27 Crescent Cotton Mills Limited(CCM)	55.61 ▲ 5.06 (10.01%)
Ashfaq Textile / Jul 27 Ashfaq Textile Mills Limited(ASHT)	34.64 ▲ 3.15 (10%)

Stock	Price
Olympia Mills / Jul 27 Olympia Mills Limited(OML)	155.93 ▼ -17.33 (-10%)
TPL Insurance / Jul 27 TPL Insurance Limited(TPLI)	80.32 ▼ -8.92 (-10%)
Asia Ins. / Jul 27 Asia Insurance Company Limited(ASIC)	49.46 ▼ -5.49 (-9.99%)
Ahmad Hassan / Jul 27 Ahmad Hassan Textile Mills Limited(AHTM)	99.92 ▼ -10.62 (-9.61%)
Pakistan Credit Rating Agency / Jul 27 The Pakistan Credit Rating Agency Ltd(GEMPACRA)	36.02 ▼ -3.6 (-9.09%)
UDL International / Jul 27 UDL International Limited(UDLI)	19.80 ▼ -1.97 (-9.05%)
Premier Sugar / Jul 27 The Premier Sugar Mills(PMRS)	505.79 ▼ -46.94 (-8.49%)
Sally Textile / Jul 27 Sally Textile Mills Limited(SLYT)	16.34 ▼ -1.31 (-7.42%)
The Thal Ind.Corp. / Jul 27 The Thal Industries Corporation Limited(TICL)	1,017.82 ▼ -69.83 (-6.42%)
Karam Ceramics / Jul 27 Karam Ceramics Limited(KCL)	134.64 ▼ -6.73 (-4.76%)

Stock	Volume
WorldCall Telecom / Jul 27 Worldcall Telecom Limited(WTL)	135,860,213 ▲ 0.03
Trust Sec.& Brok. / Jul 27 Trust Securities & Brokerage Limited(TSBL)	92,629,988 ▲ 0.36
Cnergyico PK / Jul 27 Cnergyico PK Limited(CNERGY)	81,338,112 ▲ 0.47
K-Electric Ltd. / Jul 27 K-Electric Limited(KEL)	59,231,062 ▲ 0.33
TPL Properties / Jul 27 TPL Properties Limited(TPLP)	55,234,210 ▲ 0.21
B.O.Punjab / Jul 27 The Bank of Punjab(BOP)	34,964,351 ▲ 1.97
Media Times Ltd / Jul 27 Media Times Limited(MDTL)	28,843,959 ▼ -0.23
TPL Corp Ltd / Jul 27 TPL Corp Limited(TPL)	27,419,235 ▲ 1.32
Maple Leaf Cement / Jul 27 Maple Leaf Cement Factory Limited(MLCF)	25,438,242 ▲ 8.39
Pak Refinery / Jul 27 Pakistan Refinery Limited(PRL)	18,001,733 ▲ 2.37

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