News Archives for Business & Finance - 2026-04-08

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Business & Finance - 2026-04-08

Markets

ECC approves key TSGs; endorses betel nut import reforms

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet met on Wednesday at the Finance Division under the...

Published 08 Apr, 2026 10:33pm

Technology

Meta unveils first AI model from costly superintelligence team

Superintelligence refers to AI machines that could outthink humans

Published 08 Apr, 2026 09:48pm

Stocks

Wall Street jumps to near one-month highs after US-Iran ceasefire

Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1,084.78 points, or 2.33%, to 47,669.24

Published 08 Apr, 2026 09:22pm

Stocks

Gulf equities rally on US-Iran ceasefire agreement

Dubai’s main market surged 6.9%

Published 08 Apr, 2026 08:48pm

Markets

Pakistan records $3.8bn in remittances for March 2026

During 9MFY26, remittances clock in at $30.3bn

Updated 08 Apr, 2026 10:04pm

South Asia

India puts off global steel conference citing Middle East crisis

In view of the evolving global situation, including the West ⁠Asia crisis

Published 08 Apr, 2026 07:42pm

Europe

World Bank expects stronger exports to lift Western Balkans growth to average 3.1% in 2026-27

Albania, Bosnia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia are forecast to collectively grow by 2.9% this year and 3.2% in 2027

Published 08 Apr, 2026 07:32pm

Asia

East Asia economic growth to slow due to war, energy costs: World Bank

The bank expects growth in the East Asia Pacific region to slow to 4.2% this year

Published 08 Apr, 2026 07:24pm

World

Developing countries in Europe, Central Asia face slowdown, World Bank says

the conflict posed a substantial risk to the global economy, including developing and emerging countries

Published 08 Apr, 2026 07:14pm

Middle East

World Bank slashes 2026 Middle East growth forecast after energy sector turmoil

Risks are firmly tilted to the downside. Uncertainty is pervasive, and the economic outlook could shift significantly if the conflict intensifies or protracts

Published 08 Apr, 2026 07:07pm

World

World Bank says South Asia growth to slow to 6.3% in 2026 amid Middle East conflict

Despite a challenging global environment, South Asia’s growth prospects remain strong

Published 08 Apr, 2026 07:01pm

World

Wars impose deep and prolonged economic costs on countries, IMF research finds

Countries engaged in foreign conflicts can avert physical destruction on their own soil and avoid large economic losses,

Published 08 Apr, 2026 06:53pm

Stocks

Sri Lankan shares soar on broad-based gains

CSE All-Share index rose 4.2% to 21,917.60,

Published 08 Apr, 2026 05:47pm

Companies

India raises HPCL Rajasthan Refinery project cost to $8.6 billion

HPCL Rajasthan Refinery Ltd is a joint venture with HPCL owning a 74% stake

Published 08 Apr, 2026 05:26pm

Forex

India’s forex reserves sufficient, not a matter of concern, RBI governor says

Forex reserves rose to $697.1 billion as of April 3

Published 08 Apr, 2026 04:33pm

USA

Fed minutes of March meeting could flesh out how policymakers view war risks to economy

The Fed held the policy interest rate steady in March at the current 3.5% to 3.75% range

Published 08 Apr, 2026 04:20pm

Exchange

Rupee gains ground against US dollar

Settles at 279.05

Updated 08 Apr, 2026 08:00pm

Commodities

Copper leaps to three-week high on US-Iran ceasefire

Benchmark three-month copper on the London Metal Exchange was up 3.5% at $12,737.50 a metric ton

Published 08 Apr, 2026 04:01pm

Commodities

Palm hits two-week low as ceasefire drags crude oil down

Dalian’s most-active soyoil contract fell 3.07%

Published 08 Apr, 2026 03:58pm

Markets

India central bank opens up term money market for non-banks, companies to boost liquidity

The central bank will raise borrowing limits for standalone primary dealers and outline a framework for the changes soon

Published 08 Apr, 2026 03:54pm

Currency

Indian rupee extends rally, forward premiums slump as oil dives on ceasefire

Indian rupee ended at 92.58 per U.S. dollar

Published 08 Apr, 2026 03:50pm

Stocks

Indian equities soar as Iran ceasefire sparks global rally

Nifty 50 rose 3.78% to 23,997.35, logging its best single-session gain in 11 months. The Sensex climbed 3.95% to 77,562.90

Published 08 Apr, 2026 03:45pm

Business & Finance

PTA approves Telenor–Ufone merger with strict conditions to safeguard consumers, competition

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) approved on Wednesday the long-anticipated amalgamation of Telenor...

Published 08 Apr, 2026 03:44pm

Stocks

STOXX 600 set for best day in one year as Iran ceasefire fuels relief rally

The pan-European STOXX 600 index was up 3.6% at 611.86 points

Published 08 Apr, 2026 02:23pm

Money & Banking

SBP repays $1.43bn Eurobond on time

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has successfully repaid $1.43 billion Eurobond maturing on April 8, 2026. “SBP has...

Published 08 Apr, 2026 02:12pm

Stocks

SECP approves Wahdat Poultry Farms IPO

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has approved the initial public offering (IPO) of Wahdat...

Updated 08 Apr, 2026 02:31pm

Financial

Gold price per tola gains Rs15,700 in Pakistan

Price of silver increases by Rs440 to reach Rs8,184 per tola

Updated 08 Apr, 2026 06:36pm

Pakistan

Solar push helps Pakistan temper Gulf energy shock

At projected market prices, solar could save a further $6.3 billion by the end of 2026

Published 08 Apr, 2026 12:21pm

Markets

Pakistan’s Systems Limited eyes aggressive acquisitions despite global volatility

Systems Limited, one of Pakistan’s largest software firms, is ramping up its acquisition strategy, viewing the...

Published 08 Apr, 2026 12:08pm

Commodities

Iron ore falls as shipments jump, Trump agrees to two-week ceasefire

The most-traded iron ore contract on China's Dalian Commodity Exchange (DCE) slid 1.12% to 791.5 yuan ($115.87) a metric ton

Published 08 Apr, 2026 11:54am

Stocks

South Korea shares rise on relief from Middle East ceasefire

The benchmark KOSPI was up 327.82 points, or 5.97%, at 5,822.60

Published 08 Apr, 2026 11:48am

Commodities

Wheat slides 3%; corn, soybeans fall as Trump announces ceasefire

The wheat market faced additional pressure from improved US weather and expectations of higher Russian output

Published 08 Apr, 2026 11:44am

Forex

China’s yuan rallies to three-year high on US-Iran ceasefire deal

The onshore yuan hit 6.8287 per dollar in morning trade on Wednesday, while the offshore yuan rose to 6.8270 per dollar

Published 08 Apr, 2026 11:38am

Commodities

Palm falls more than 3% as crude oil slumps on US-Iran ceasefire

The benchmark palm oil contract for June delivery on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange slid 147 ringgit, or 3.08%, to 4,618 ringgit a metric ton in early trade

Published 08 Apr, 2026 11:29am

Markets

IATA chief says jet fuel supply could take months to recover after Hormuz reopening

Airlines across Asia have been cutting flights, carrying extra fuel from home airports and adding refuelling stops as the Middle East conflict squeezes jet fuel supply

Published 08 Apr, 2026 11:28am

Energy

China’s teapots seek Iranian oil after prices fall, sources say

"There are some inquiries this morning as Brent slipped into the $90s," a trader close to Iranian oil trade said

Published 08 Apr, 2026 11:16am

Markets

India orders major airports to cut some charges by 25%, in relief to airlines

The move to cut charges comes after IndiGo and Air India sought the rationalisation of some fees levied by airports

Published 08 Apr, 2026 11:09am

Stocks

China, Hong Kong stocks rally as US-Iran ceasefire boosts sentiment

Hong Kong benchmark Hang Seng jumped 2.8%

Published 08 Apr, 2026 10:56am

Markets

SK Hynix shares jump 15% after peer Samsung projects blowout earnings

Samsung Electronics on Tuesday projected its first-quarter operating profit would jump more than eight-fold

Published 08 Apr, 2026 10:52am

Mutual Funds

India bonds set for pre-policy rally after US-Iran ceasefire

The benchmark 6.48% 2035 bond yield will likely trade in a 6.98%-7.02% range until the policy announcement

Published 08 Apr, 2026 10:49am

Mutual Funds

Benchmark JGB yields fall as signs of Iran ceasefire ease inflation fears

The 10-year JGB yield fell 5 basis points (bps) to 2.355%

Published 08 Apr, 2026 10:47am

Stocks

Japan’s Nikkei surges as oil prices slide on signs of Mideast ceasefire

The benchmark Nikkei 225 Index jumped 4.67% to 55,923.27, while the broader Topix climbed 3% to 3,763.51

Published 08 Apr, 2026 10:45am

Forex

Changes to India’s cash reserve ratio since 1992

The RBI’s six-member monetary policy committee (MPC) voted to hold the repo rate steady at 5.25%

Published 08 Apr, 2026 10:43am

Forex

Australia, NZ dollars swept up in relief rally, RBNZ talks of tightening

That should be welcome news to the Reserve Bank of New Zealand which decided to hold the official cash rate (OCR) at 2.25% on Wednesday

Published 08 Apr, 2026 10:39am

Stocks

Stocks jump after two-week ceasefire agreed

Japan’s Nikkei surged about 5% while South Korea’s KOSPI rose 6%

Published 08 Apr, 2026 10:37am

Stocks

Australian shares surge on US-Iran ceasefire, NZ keeps gains after RBNZ holds rate

The S&P/ASX 200 index was trading 2.7% higher at 8,964.30 points

Published 08 Apr, 2026 10:34am

Stocks

KSE-100 climbs over 9% as Pakistan-brokered ceasefire ignites historic rally

Benchmark index closes at 165,811

Updated 08 Apr, 2026 07:46pm

Industry

Gwadar port: Businessmen hail commercial operations

GWADAR: The business community has welcomed the commencement of commercial operations and the availability of modern...

Published 08 Apr, 2026 08:58am

Business & Finance

KICT completes biometric registration of over 15,000 truck drivers

KARACHI: Hutchison Ports KICT has completed the biometric registration of more than 15,000 truck drivers to enhance...

Published 08 Apr, 2026 08:58am

Business & Finance

Travel Mart flagged as landmark event

KARACHI: Travel Designer (Pvt) Limited Managing Director Muhammad Ali Marfani has flagged Pakistan Travel Mart 2026...

Updated 08 Apr, 2026 12:04pm

Pakistan

Solar panel manufacturing: Chinese cos officials meet CM, ink agreements

LAHORE: A delegation of leading Chinese companies, Kunlun Group and Sunder Green Group called on Chief Minister...

Published 08 Apr, 2026 08:48am

Taxes

PRA mulling bringing additional service sectors into tax net

LAHORE: The Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) is considering to bring additional service sectors into the net to...

Published 08 Apr, 2026 08:44am

Pakistan

Sindh Governor, Balochistan governor discuss economic growth

KARACHI: Sindh Governor Nehal Hashmi on Tuesday held separate meetings at the Governor House with Governor...

Published 08 Apr, 2026 08:40am

Bullion Rate

Gold rises to near three-week high as Trump pauses attacks on Iran

Spot gold was up 2.3% at $4,812.49 per ounce
US gold futures for June delivery gained 3.4% ⁠to $4,841.60

Updated 08 Apr, 2026 11:36am

Forex

Iran ceasefire offers Indian rupee major boost ahead of RBI policy; oil plummets

The rupee is likely to open in the 92.40-92.50 range versus the US dollar, having settled at 93.0075 on Tuesday

Published 08 Apr, 2026 08:12am

Stocks

Indian shares set to open higher on Iran ceasefire; RBI decision eyed

GIFT Nifty futures were trading at 23,825

Published 08 Apr, 2026 08:05am

Forex

Dollar drops as Trump ceasefire prompts risk-on turn for markets

The yen strengthened 0.7% against the greenback to 158.50 per dollar

Published 08 Apr, 2026 08:00am

Energy

Oil tumbles below $100 after Trump announces two-week ceasefire

Brent crude futures were down $14.83, or 13.57%, at $94.44 a barrel
WTI futures slid by $17.92, or 15.87%, to $95.03

Updated 08 Apr, 2026 08:38pm

Commodities

STL eyes growth with multi-billion pipeline

KARACHI: Supernet Technologies Limited (STL) is entering a new growth phase, reporting Rs9.2 billion in revenue for...

Published 08 Apr, 2026 07:48am

Business & Finance

Possibility of trade pact with EEC discussed

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) have agreed to explore the possibility of a trade...

Published 08 Apr, 2026 07:45am

Business & Finance

Mainly imported from China: Copper filter dryers’ values revised

ISLAMABAD: The Directorate General of Customs Valuation, Karachi, has revised the customs values for 10 different...

Published 08 Apr, 2026 07:32am

Business & Finance

FY2024-25 T&D losses stand at 17.55pc: CCP

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s fragile electricity transmission and distribution (T&D) system is not only constraining...

Published 08 Apr, 2026 06:54am

Business & Finance

Eurobonds: USD1.43bn paid successfully

KARACHI/ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Tuesday successfully met over USD 1.43 billion in external debt obligations, with...

Published 08 Apr, 2026 06:07am

Energy

Oil prices mixed; Brent flat, US crude up

NEW YORK: Oil prices were mixed on Tuesday with Brent flat on worries that high energy prices could cause slower...

Published 08 Apr, 2026 06:07am

Business & Finance

Panda Bonds features outlined: External payments will be cleared as scheduled: Aurangzeb

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will meet all its external payment obligations on schedule, including repayments of loans from...

Published 08 Apr, 2026 06:07am

Energy

Seven-year MYT covering FY2017–2023: KE seeks claims adjustment of over Rs58bn

ISLAMABAD: K-Electric (KE) has approached National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) for adjustment of...

Published 08 Apr, 2026 06:07am

Business & Finance

PTC seeks policy intervention to deal with textile sector challenges

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Textile Council (PTC) has sought urgent policy intervention to support the country’s textile...

Updated 08 Apr, 2026 09:03am

Business & Finance

Saad launches USPBA to promote trade and investment

LAHORE: The US–Pakistan Business Alliance (USPBA) has been successfully launched under the leadership of its...

Published 08 Apr, 2026 06:07am

Business & Finance

WHT collection from contracts tops the list

ISLAMABAD: The withholding tax collection from contracts continued to be the leading source of withholding tax,...

Published 08 Apr, 2026 06:07am

Business & Finance

PEMRA to provide staff with EWA services via ABHI Bank

KARACHI: Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) will provide Earned Wage Access (EWA) services to...

Published 08 Apr, 2026 06:07am

Business & Finance

‘Pakistan enters decisive phase of debt management’

KARACHI: Mian Zahid Hussain, President Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum & All Karachi Industrial...

Published 08 Apr, 2026 06:07am

Business & Finance

PCDMA concerned at ‘misuse’ of EFS

KARACHI: Pakistan Chemicals & Dyes Merchants Association (PCDMA) has voiced serious concern over the misuse of...

Published 08 Apr, 2026 06:07am

Business & Finance

Experts pinpoint challenges in green energy push

KARACHI: Policymakers, industry leaders, academics, researchers and climate advocates gathered on Tuesday to review...

Published 08 Apr, 2026 06:07am

Business & Finance

SME, corporate sectors: MCB, TDAP to launch advanced financial tools

KARACHI: A high-level delegation from Muslim Commercial Bank (MCB) met with Azhar Ali Dahar, Director General of the...

Published 08 Apr, 2026 06:07am

Business & Finance

India plans sovereign guarantees for insurers as Iran war heightens shipping risks

NEW DELHI: India is planning sovereign guarantees to support insurers that provide cover for vessels travelling in...

Published 08 Apr, 2026 06:07am

Business & Finance

Soaring costs, fuel shortage fears drive Pakistan to electric motorbikes

Days after Iran effectively blocked shipping through the Strait of Hormuz following the start of US and Israeli...

Published 08 Apr, 2026 06:07am

Companies

Amir Goraya made NDRMF CEO

ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Risk Management Fund (NDRMF) has appointed Amir Goraya as its new Chief Executive...

Published 08 Apr, 2026 06:07am

Previous Day

BR100
BR30
KSE100
KSE30
KMI30

1D 5D 3M 6M 1Y

Forex
World
Commodity

Currency	Rate
USD PKR Interbank Selling / Jul 24	278.07
USD PKR Interbank Buying / Jul 24	277.87
USD to Japanese Yen / Jul 24	163.83
USD to Swiss Franc / Jul 24	0.82
Pound Sterling to USD / Jul 24	1.33
Euro to USD / Jul 24	1.14
SOFR % / Jul 24	3.57

Stock	Volume
S&P 500 / Jul 24	7,411.98
India Sensex / Jul 24	76,059.77
Tokyo Nikkei / Jul 24	64,611.15
Nasdaq / Jul 24	24,975.82
Hang Seng / Jul 24	24,963.23
FTSE 100 / Jul 24	10,736.23
Dow Jones / Jul 24	51,947.25
Germany DAX 30 / Jul 24	25,099
France CAC40 / Jul 24	8,372.28

Item	Value
Crude Oil USD/Barrel / Jul 24	89.31
Karachi Cotton PKR/37.32 KG / Jul 24	18,680
Gold 10 Grams PKR / Jul 24	366,457
Gold Spot USD/Ounce / Jul 24	4,052.79
Cotton US¢/pound / Jul 24	79.98
Petrol/Litre / Jul 25	331.52
Diesel/Litre / Jul 25	378.66

Gainers
Losers
Leaders

Stock	Price
Media Times Ltd / Jul 24 Media Times Limited(MDTL)	6.38 ▲ 1 (18.59%)
First Punjab Modaraba / Jul 24 First Punjab Modaraba(FPJM)	10.44 ▲ 0.97 (10.24%)
First Fid. Leasing / Jul 24 First Fidelity Leasing Modaraba(FFLM)	14.92 ▲ 1.36 (10.03%)
First IBL Mod. / Jul 24 First IBL Modaraba(FIBLM)	15.15 ▲ 1.38 (10.02%)
Metro Steel / Jul 24 Metropolitan Steel Corporation Limited(MSCL)	22.41 ▲ 2.04 (10.01%)
UDL International / Jul 24 UDL International Limited(UDLI)	21.77 ▲ 1.98 (10.01%)
Asia Ins. / Jul 24 Asia Insurance Company Limited(ASIC)	54.95 ▲ 5 (10.01%)
Olympia Mills / Jul 24 Olympia Mills Limited(OML)	173.26 ▲ 15.75 (10%)
Fateh Sports / Jul 24 Fateh Sports Wear Limited(FSWL)	172.68 ▲ 15.7 (10%)
Ashfaq Textile / Jul 24 Ashfaq Textile Mills Limited(ASHT)	31.49 ▲ 2.86 (9.99%)

Stock	Price
Khairpur Sug. / Jul 24 Khairpur Sugar Mills Limited(KPUS)	1,105.08 ▼ -122.79 (-10%)
Shadman Cotton / Jul 24 Shadman Cotton Mills Limited(SHCM)	52.81 ▼ -5.84 (-9.96%)
Shams Textile / Jul 24 Shams Textile Mills Limited(STML)	53.26 ▼ -5.88 (-9.94%)
Power Cem(Pref) / Jul 24 Power Cement (Pref)(POWERPS)	23.51 ▼ -2.54 (-9.75%)
Janana De Malucho / Jul 24 Janana De Malucho Textile Mills Limited(JDMT)	139.77 ▼ -14.79 (-9.57%)
East West Ins. / Jul 24 East West Insurance Company Limited(EWIC)	48.10 ▼ -4.36 (-8.31%)
Elahi Cotton / Jul 24 Elahi Cotton Mills Limited(ELCM)	208.50 ▼ -18.84 (-8.29%)
J.A.Textile / Jul 24 J.A. Textile Mills Limited(JATM)	32.13 ▼ -2.85 (-8.15%)
Suhail Jute / Jul 24 Suhail Jute Mills Limited(SUHJ)	201.90 ▼ -17.58 (-8.01%)
Lotte Chemical / Jul 24 Lotte Chemical Pakistan Limited(LOTCHEM)	26.81 ▼ -2.31 (-7.93%)

Stock	Volume
Cnergyico PK / Jul 24 Cnergyico PK Limited(CNERGY)	59,327,773 ▲ 0.19
Trust Sec.& Brok. / Jul 24 Trust Securities & Brokerage Limited(TSBL)	36,977,902 ▲ 0
Kohinoor Spinning / Jul 24 Kohinoor Spinning Mills Limited(KOSM)	32,626,744 ▲ 0.51
Pak Refinery / Jul 24 Pakistan Refinery Limited(PRL)	24,565,429 ▲ 0.6
WorldCall Telecom / Jul 24 Worldcall Telecom Limited(WTL)	21,618,473 ▲ 0.01
B.O.Punjab / Jul 24 The Bank of Punjab(BOP)	20,591,638 ▼ -0.34
TPL Properties / Jul 24 TPL Properties Limited(TPLP)	19,232,151 ▼ -0.25
K-Electric Ltd. / Jul 24 K-Electric Limited(KEL)	18,140,027 ▲ 0.08
Media Times Ltd / Jul 24 Media Times Limited(MDTL)	15,731,176 ▲ 1
Waves Home Appliances / Jul 24 Waves Home Appliances Limited(WAVESAPP)	13,338,005 ▲ 0.56

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