News Archives for Latest - 2020-12-17

Companies

Coca-Cola to cut 2,200 jobs: WSJ

The cuts represent roughly 12% of the company's US workforce and will be made through a combination of buyouts and layoffs.

Updated 18 Dec, 2020 12:27am

South Asia

New agreement needed to revive Iran nuclear deal under Biden, IAEA chief says

Biden says US will rejoin deal if Iran ends breaches.
Agreement needed on how to undo breaches, IAEA chief says.
Iran has far more enriched uranium than deal allows.
Agreement, once struck, could be put in place fast.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 10:38pm

Europe

Turkey says will not reverse Russian S-400S purchase despite US sanctions

The United States on Monday imposed sanctions targeting fellow NATO member Turkey's Defence Industry Directorate (SSB).
President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday the sanctions were a "hostile attack" against Turkey's defence industry, and were bound to fail.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 10:35pm

Companies

Global chip shortage threatens production of laptops, smartphones and more

Huawei bulk-buying, Japanese fire, French strike blamed.
Under-investment in 8-inch chip plants also a cause.
Consumer demand has picked up quicker than expected.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 10:34pm

USA

US weekly jobless claims at three-month high as COVID-19 restrictions bite

Weekly jobless claims increase 23,000 to 885,000.
Continuing claims decrease 273,000 to 5.508 million.
Mid-Atlantic factory activity slows in December.
Housing starts rise 1.2% in November; permits jump 6.2%.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 10:31pm

Pakistan

Sindh government orders closure of all academic activities in madressahs

To ensure fool proof compliance to the orders deputy commissioners, assistant commissioners and concerned personnel of law enforcement agencies/departments, not below the rank of inspectors of police or equivalent posts.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 09:42pm

Pakistan

Pakistan committed to using digital technologies for achieving SDGs: PM

The UNDP delegation comprised Resident Representative for Pakistan Ms Aliona Niculita and Chief Technical Advisor on Digital Governance Tariq Malik.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 09:40pm

Pakistan

Federal capital records 238 fresh corona cases in last 24 hours

He said so far 35,441 cases were reported from the federal capital while 381 deaths were reported from Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT).

Published 17 Dec, 2020 09:38pm

Pakistan

Bullion prices on Thursday

Following were the bullion prices in Karachi on Thursday.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 09:36pm

Pakistan

Minorities enjoy complete freedom in Pakistan: Shibli

He appreciated the PBC for holding the event and said such ceremonies played an important role in promoting religious harmony.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 09:33pm

Pakistan

CDA approves 16mn for Park Enclave-I security

Around Rs. 100 million has been paid to SNGPL, installation of LED lights in Park Enclave.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 09:31pm

Pakistan

ECP decides to hold bye-elections on 8 vacant seats

The commission also issued directions to all the provincial governments to ensure fully implementation of SOPs related with the COVID-19 during bye-elections.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 09:28pm

Pakistan

CM chairs high level meeting on developmental projects in Peshawar region

The meeting reviewed progress made so far on various developmental projects of health, education, communication, public health engineering, local government, power, gas and other sectors.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 09:25pm

Pakistan

Nation must remain united to foil enemies negative plans: Shafqat

He said Pakistanis are proud of armed forces as they have always offered sacrifices of lives for the protection of motherland.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 09:22pm

Pakistan

Law ready, cosmetics industries must limit mercury usage to 1 ppm by Jan 1: Zartaj Gul

She said a survey carried by her Ministry revealed that as result of small gold mining in Chitral, there were many disabled children.

Updated 17 Dec, 2020 09:22pm

Europe

Irish prime minister to restrict movement pending covid-19 test result

"The Taoiseach and President Macron were both attendees at the EU Council meeting in Brussels last week. The Taoiseach is limiting his contacts this afternoon as a precaution while he is tested,"

Published 17 Dec, 2020 08:59pm

Financial

Bank of England ready to tolerate a Brexit inflation spike

The BoE said it was ready to accept inflation rising temporarily above its 2pc target if a no-deal Brexit caused sterling to fall sharply.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 08:56pm

Stocks

Major Gulf markets end lower; Egypt falls most in 2 mths

Saudi Arabia's benchmark index edged down 0.1pc, dragged by with retailer Fawaz Abdulaziz Alhokair, which fell nearly 2pc, leading the declines.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 08:51pm

USA

Unemployment in Latin America to hit highest level in more than a decade

The ILO said in a report that Latin America and the Caribbean would end this year with an estimated 30.1 million people unemployed.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 08:47pm

Asia

India's Supreme Court declines calls to ban farmers' protest

Thousands of farmers angered by three agricultural laws that they say threaten their livelihoods have intensified their protests by blocking highways and camping out on the outskirts of the capital New Delhi.
Petitioners had approached the Supreme Court to complain that the protests had hampered drivers and making it difficult for people to access emergency medical services.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 08:34pm

South Asia

India's Supreme Court declines calls to ban farmers' protest

Petitioners had approached the Supreme Court to complain that the protests had hampered drivers and making it difficult for people to access emergency medical services.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 08:41pm

Forex

Dollar gets global beating as stimulus, Brexit boost risk appetite

The dollar index fell as low as 89.767 against a basket currencies, breaking below 90 for the first time since April 2018.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 08:35pm

Companies

Walmart partners with TikTok to sell merchandise while livestreaming

The livestream will feature national brands like Champion, Jordache, Kendall + Kylie and some private brands including Free Assembly, Scoop and Sofia Jeans, Walmart said.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 08:31pm

Pakistan

Pakistan Navy inducts state of the art battle ship ‘PNS Tabuk’

The PNS Tabuk is the second of two 2,300t corvettes that Damen constructed under a contract signed by the Pakistan Ministry of Defence in June 2017.
Naval Chief terms induction as an important milestone for Pakistan Navy to enhance operations capabilities and promote maritime security in the region.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 08:31pm

Companies

Mercedes Benz ends luxury car prodution in Brazil, shutting down small plant

The company said in a statement that the pandemic had caused a drop in demand for luxury vehicles that made it unsustainable to keep the factory open.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 08:27pm

USA

U.S. senator says COVID-19 deal likely to stretch into weekend

U.S. lawmakers will likely finalize a COVID-19 aid deal and government spending bill on Saturday, forcing them to pass a short-term stopgap funding measure to avoid a government shutdown at midnight on Friday.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 08:22pm

Europe

UK parliament will need time to approve any trade deal, says Gove

Our approach is that we will need ... if we have secured an agreement ... time to allow parliament to have its voice and its say and to legislate and if we don’t have time for that, then the clock has run out and no agreement.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 08:16pm

World

COVID-19 kills daily record 3,580 in U.S. as second vaccine nears approval

The FDA authorized emergency use of the Pfizer vaccine a day later, opening the gates to a massive inoculation program that began on Monday.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 08:12pm

Europe

EU does not expect UK trade deal by Friday

The EU sources said that any agreement that could emerge would produce a "differentiated" system on fishing quotas, but did not expect that to happen by Friday.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 08:09pm

Commodities

Copper pushes towards highest since 2013 with $8,000 in sight

Investors bought riskier assets across the board, sending global equities to new peaks, oil prices to a nine-month high and the dollar to its weakest since April 2018.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 08:06pm

USA

No. 2 U.S. House Democrat cites progress in COVID-19 aid deal talks

"Hopefully, we will get to an agreement today, put it on the floor, pass it and give some relief in this crisis... let's hope we can get there."

Published 17 Dec, 2020 08:02pm

Forex

Canadian dollar advances as investors bet on U.S. stimulus

World stocks scaled new peaks after lawmakers and aides said that Congressional negotiators were closing in on a $900 billion COVID-19 aid bill in the United States.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 07:59pm

Europe

Putin says Kremlin critic Navalny not worth poisoning, alleges U.S. smear campaign

The investigation, which Navalny endorsed, said it had identified a team of assassins from Russia’s FSB security service, who had stalked him for years. It named the intelligence officers and poison laboratories it said were behind the operation.
“It’s a trick to attack the leaders (of Russia),” says Putin.

Updated 17 Dec, 2020 08:02pm

Europe

Two-thirds of England to be under toughest COVID-19 measures

He said the new measures would be in force from Saturday; a small number of areas had their restrictions eased.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 07:54pm

Europe

Coronavirus cases in Netherlands jump by record of almost 13,000

The steep increase in infections comes just days after a tough, five-week lockdown was imposed in the Netherlands.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 07:53pm

Europe

UK extends job retention scheme until the end of April

Sunak also said he was extending government-guaranteed business loan schemes until the end of March.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 07:50pm

Companies

Greek central bank sees 8-10bn euros of new bad loans due to pandemic

He said loans under payment moratoria stood at around 20 billion euros currently.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 07:47pm

Europe

Chance of agreeing EU trade deal 'less than 50pc': UK's Gove

"I think that regrettably the chances are more likely that we won't secure an agreement." Asked about the probability of a deal, he said "less than 50pc".

Published 17 Dec, 2020 07:43pm

USA

Brazil health minister eyes up to 24mn vaccines by January

Pazuello said the expected vaccines in January could be made up of 500,000 Pfizer doses, 9 million doses from China's Sinovac and 15 million doses from AstraZeneca.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 07:41pm

Stocks

Wall Street opens higher on stimulus bets

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 61.46 points, or 0.20pc, at the open to 30,216.00.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 07:39pm

Europe

Poland to enter national quarantine starting Dec. 28 to fight COVID-19

Niedzielski warned about a third wave of the pandemic in the new year and told Poles to remain vigilant.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 07:35pm

Pakistan

Rupee recovers 28 paisas against US dollar

In interbank trading, the price of euro appreciated by 15 paisas and closed at Rs. 195.87 against the last day’s trading of Rs. 195.72, State Bank of Pakistan reported.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 07:32pm

Pakistan

Pakistan to share skills in social protection, agriculture with South: Khusro

He underlined the importance of this report by saying that this will help the developing member countries to benefit from Pakistan’s experience through knowledge sharing.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 07:27pm

Pakistan

Over 30pc of transport to be shifted into E-vehicles by 2030: Fawad Ch

He said EVs can also help improve urban air quality, reduce noise pollution, and significantly reduce the health costs associated with pollution in urban areas.

Updated 17 Dec, 2020 07:28pm

Pakistan

SBP Governor lauds NAB's corruption elimination efforts

The performance of NAB has also been appreciated by reputed national and international institutions.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 07:26pm

Pakistan

SBP injects Rs244.3bn into market

Total 11 bids of Rs. 264.3 billion were offered, of which 10 of. Rs. 244.3 billion were accepted.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 07:24pm

Pakistan

Bullion rates in Hyderabad gold market

Following were the bullion rates in Hyderabad gold market on Thursday.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 07:19pm

Pakistan

Shipping Activity at Port Qasim

Cargo handling maintained an upward trend at the port where a volume of 226,198 tonnes, comprising 160,230 tonnes imports cargo and 65,968 tonnes export cargo.

Updated 17 Dec, 2020 07:22pm

Pakistan

39 deaths, 618 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Punjab on Thursday

The Punjab health department has allocated 669 ventilators for coronavirus patients across the province from which 255 out of are in use while 416 are spare so far.

Updated 17 Dec, 2020 07:21pm

Pakistan

MQM delegation calls on PM Imran Khan

Federal Ministers Asad Umar, Ali Zaidi and Governor of Sindh Imran Ismail also attended the meeting.
Delegation was comprised of Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Ameen ul Haq and Haider Abbas Rizvi.

Updated 17 Dec, 2020 07:20pm

Business & Finance

Pakistan repays another $1bn to KSA

It should be noted that Pakistan has returned the money to Saudi Arabia with the help of China, the Ministry of Finance, and the State Bank have refrained from commenting.

Updated 17 Dec, 2020 07:20pm

Pakistan

Govt striving to provide relief to masses: Shibli

“The economic situation was discussed in detail, despite the challenge of coronavirus, economic indicators are positive,”

Published 17 Dec, 2020 07:16pm

Pakistan

Govt allocates Rs50mn for renovation of railway stations

The official said the basic aim of the upgradation was to facilitate the passengers and improve the outlook and modernize the railway stations.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 07:05pm

China

Exclusive: U.S. warns Pacific islands about Chinese bid for undersea cable project - sources

The United States has warned Pacific island nations about security threats posed by a Chinese company’s cut-price bid to build an undersea internet cable.
The project is designed to improve communications to the island nations of Nauru, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and Kiribati.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 06:58pm

Pakistan

Gwadar port provides huge trade opportunity to CARs, Afghanistan: Dawood

He said that with the improvement in Trans-shipment facilities at Gwadar, the whole dynamics of the regional connectivity would be changed.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 07:00pm

Pakistan

President for less copyrighted, inexpensive education amid poverty

He said in the COVID-era, the knowledge has changed from mere books to a dynamic form and called for enhanced access of knowledge to students.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 06:58pm

South Asia

Top US general meets Taliban negotiators in Doha

Gen. Mark Milley, the Chairman of the Joints Chiefs of Staff, met Taliban negotiators in Doha, before flying to Kabul to meet Afghan President Ashraf Ghani.
This was Gen. Milley's second unannounced meeting with the Taliban's negotiating team, according to Associated Press, following an initial meeting in June in Doha - with both meetings kept off the record until Thursday.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 06:44pm

Pakistan

SNGPL asks people to avoid use of gas heaters, geysers during peak hours

Although there are difficulties, yet the SNGPL has increased the quota to ensure gas supply to domestic consumers.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 06:54pm

Pakistan

Gold prices increase Rs550 to Rs112,300 per tola

The gold price in the in international market increased by $14 and was traded at $1878 against its sale at $1864, the association added.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 06:51pm

Pakistan

21 new coronavirus cases reported in Faisalabad

He said that at present, 78 patients including 24 confirmed patients were under treatment at Allied Hospital, while 30 including 9 confirmed patients were admitted to DHQ Hospital.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 06:48pm

Pakistan

PFA seals manufacturing unit, imposes Rs81,500 fine

Another team sealed Ali Sweets over non-payment of licence fee and ignoring previous directions.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 06:44pm

Pakistan

IHC seeks detailed report for making health care body functional

The bench remarked that an active health care body in federal capital was in public interest for betterment of health sector.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 06:41pm

Pakistan

IRSA releases 64,200 cusecs water

The release of water at Kalabagh, Taunsa and Sukkur was recorded as 30,400, 32,100 and 4,700 cusecs respectively.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 06:39pm

Pakistan

FM Qureshi calls on UAE PM in Dubai, exchanges views on issues of mutual interest

Foreign Minister Qureshi exchanged views with the Prime Minister of UAE on a range of issues of mutual interest.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 06:35pm

Companies

Hyundai seeks full control of Turkish car plant, competition authority says

The Competition Authority website said Hyundai had made a request to take full control of the factory, which produces Hyundai models such as the i10 and i20.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 06:33pm

Companies

Textile Exporter Sadaqat Ltd to invest 8 Billion in Vertical Operations

Sadaqat Ltd, plans to invest 8 Billion in its vertical operations, boosting the export potential of Pakistan's textile sector.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 06:34pm

Pakistan

Lockdown imposed in Karachi’s district west COVID-19 hotspots

The areas that will be locked down include Manghopir (Bakra Perhi, Sector 14-B, Gulshan-e-Maymar, Sector 10/5 and KDA Sector 6) and Orangi (Saleemabad Sector 11/2 and Shah Wali Ullah Nagar).
The micro smart lockdown will come into effect at midnight tonight will remain in place till 7am on December 31.

Updated 17 Dec, 2020 06:34pm

Europe

Greek jobless rate eases to 16.2pc in third quarter

About 63pc of Greece's 756,424 jobless are long-term unemployed, meaning they have been out of work for at least 12 months, the figures showed.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 06:30pm

Financial

Taiwan raises growth forecast, leaves benchmark rate unchanged

The central bank kept the benchmark discount rate at a record low of 1.125pc, as expected by all 16 economists in a Reuters poll.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 06:26pm

Europe

Putin says he hopes Biden will improve Russia-U.S. ties

Speaking at his annual press conference, Putin added that Russian hackers had not meddled in the 2016 U.S. presidential vote to help Donald Trump get elected.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 06:24pm

Commodities

Palm tracks rise in rival oils, firmer ringgit caps gains

The benchmark palm oil contract for March delivery on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange closed 12 ringgit higher, or 0.4pc, at 3,377 ringgit a tonne.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 06:22pm

Stocks

Banks lift Indian shares to record closing highs

The blue-chip NSE Nifty 50 index closed 0.42pc higher at 13,740.70, while the benchmark S&P BSE Sensex ended 0.48pc higher at 46,890.34.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 06:20pm

Europe

UK PM Johnson wishes France's Macron a speedy recovery from COVID-19

"Sorry to hear my friend @EmmanuelMacron has tested positive for coronavirus. We are all wishing you a speedy recovery," Johnson said

Published 17 Dec, 2020 06:18pm

Europe

Bulgaria to keep cafes and shopping malls closed in January

Bulgaria reported 1,959 new cases on Thursday, bringing the total to 186,246 with 6,196 deaths.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 06:14pm

Energy

UK GAS-Gas prices fall as lockdowns curb industrial demand

Overall, the UK gas system was under-supplied by 10 mcm on Thursday, with demand forecast at around 263 mcm, and supply at almost 253 mcm, National Grid data showed.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 06:11pm

Commodities

Gold jumps 1pc on dollar slide, U.S. stimulus progress

Spot gold was up 0.5pc to $1,874.14 per ounce at 1030 GMT, having hit a near one-month high of $1,882.76 earlier in the session. U.S. gold futures were up 1.1pc to $1,878.50.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 06:08pm

Financial

Hungary central bank leaves one-week deposit rate steady at 0.75pc

The bank also said it expected to temporarily overshoot its inflation target in the second quarter of 2021 due to fuel price base effects and higher tobacco prices.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 06:03pm

USA

U.S. airlines closing in on new government assistance package

A final deal on the $900 billion relief package could be reached as early as Thursday morning in the United States.
In October, American Airlines furloughed 19,000 employees while United Airlines furloughed more than 13,000 employees.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 06:05pm

Middle East

Saudi Arabia begins inoculating people with Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines

Earlier this week, health authorities asked citizens and residents to register to receive the vaccine, which they said would be given free to all in the country.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 05:58pm

Managed Funds

Japan eyes new bond issuance at $423bn to fund FY2021/22 budget

The amount was a little shy of a record 44.3 trillion yen issued on an initial basis in fiscal 2010, in the wake of the global financial crisis.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 05:49pm

Europe

EU's Michel in COVID-19 self-isolation after meeting Macron

Michel was informed by the French authorities that he is not considered to be a close contact. He is tested regularly and tested negative on Tuesday.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 05:45pm

Financial

Indonesia central bank holds key rates at final meeting of 2020

He maintained an outlook of 4.8pc-5.8pc GDP growth in 2021, compared with 1pc-2pc contraction this year.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 05:41pm

Financial

Swiss National Bank sees no alternative to expansive policy to tackle COVID-19

The SNB said the interventions were necessary to relieve pressure on the franc, which has attracted safe-haven inflows during the crisis.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 05:36pm

Business & Finance

Surging investor interest sends bitcoin to peak past $23,000

The 2020, rally has also been driven by increasing expectations it will become a mainstream payment method, with PayPal opening its network to cryptocurrencies.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 05:30pm

Europe

EU's von der Leyen says COVID-19 vaccinations in EU to start on Dec. 27, 28, 29

She had previously called for a coordinated start to inoculations on the same day in all 27 EU countries.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 05:28pm

Managed Funds

German bond yields dip after issuance outlook

McCallum said Thursday's drop in yields was "perhaps to be expected after such a sell-off yesterday in core euro zone government bonds".

Published 17 Dec, 2020 05:25pm

Stocks

Sri Lankan shares see worst day in a month as consumer staples, industrials drag

Ceylon Tobacco Company Plc and Browns Investment Plc were the biggest drags to the index, losing 2.3pc and 4.9pc, respectively.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 05:22pm

Europe

Putin says he will receive COVID-19 vaccine when he can, urges mass vaccination

He said Russia needed to focus on stepping up production capacity by building factories, equipment and companies.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 05:18pm

Pakistan

British High Commissioner calls on COAS bajwa

The British envoy and the COAS discussed overall regional security situation and matters of mutual interests
Turner appreciated Pakistan's effort for the Afghan peace process and regional stability

Published 17 Dec, 2020 05:21pm

Industry

Largest CPEC Project Peshawar-Karachi Highway open to Traffic

The largest project under CPEC, Peshawar-Karachi Highway (Sukkur-Multan section), has been opened to traffic on December 16th.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 05:09pm

Energy

Oil prices hit nine-month high after inventory draw

Oil prices generally rise when the dollar falls because crude priced in the greenback becomes cheaper for buyers holding other currencies.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 05:16pm

Europe

Barnier says Brexit talks progress but UK less optimistic

An EU official, who declined to be named, said disagreements over fisheries were not yet resolved, and many more minor issues still required "polishing".

Published 17 Dec, 2020 05:13pm

Sports

Resurgent Barca and Real set to ramp up title challenge

The Catalans have endured an inconsistent season so far, losing four times already in the league, and sit six points off pacesetters Atletico Madrid, Real Sociedad and Real Madrid.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 05:07pm

Middle East

Turkey says will not turn back on Russian S-400S purchase despite sanctions

Turkey will not turn back on its purchase of Russian S-400 missile defence systems and will take reciprocal steps after evaluating U.S. sanctions imposed over the acquisition.
President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday the sanctions were a “hostile attack” against Turkey’s defence industry, and they were bound to fail.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 05:05pm

Forex

Sterling rises above $1.36 on renewed Brexit trade deal hopes

The pound is benefiting from an improvement in the narrative on the chances of a Brexit trade deal this week, almost a year after Britain formally left the European Union.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 04:52pm

Pakistan

Pakistan is quickly transitioning into an era of hybrid learning: President Alvi

He further said had COVID-19 not happened, Pakistan would not have adopted these new learning processes.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 04:52pm

Europe

Putin says yet to decide if he will run for president again in 2024

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday he had not yet decided whether or not he would run for president again when his current term in the Kremlin ends in 2024.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 04:51pm

Forex

Rouble near 4-1/2-mth high on rising oil prices, hopes of U.S. stimulus

The rouble was 0.7pc stronger against the dollar at 72.82 by 1122 GMT, after touching 72.6475 earlier in the session, its strongest mark since Aug. 5.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 04:48pm

Commodities

Raw sugar edges up as dollar weakens, coffee also higher

The dollar fell to its lowest in more than two years against the pound and euro on Thursday.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 04:46pm

Europe

Russia's Putin says real incomes to fall around 3pc in 2020

Yet the pandemic coupled with low oil prices saw incomes fall 8.4pc in the second quarter, year-on-year, in what became the deepest quarterly decline since 1999.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 04:43pm

Europe

United States hopes for trade deal with UK, Trump's trade chief says

The United States is hopeful of sealing a mini-trade deal with the United Kingdom to reduce tariffs, President Donald Trump’s trade chief, Robert Lighthizer, told the BBC.
Lighthizer said he was hopeful for a deal that could see punitive tariffs on Scottish whisky lowered, the BBC said.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 04:31pm

Asia

At least 22 Indian farmers have died in protests against 'farm laws'

Kisan Morcha says most of the death occurred due to cold wave conditions as protesting farmers have been exposed to the extreme weather condition at Tikri and Singhu borders.
Farmers have been protesting against the ‘farm sector reform’ initiated by Narendra Modi-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 04:40pm

Europe

EU concludes preliminary talks to buy up to 200mn doses of Novavax COVID vaccine

The possible deal with Novavax would be the seventh sealed by the EU with vaccine makers for the supply of COVID-19 shots.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 04:35pm

Pakistan

Govt to approach SC for show of hands in forthcoming Senate elections: Sheikh Rasheed

He said that police was playing pivotal role for peace, security in the country and remained second force for maintenance of peace during odd times.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 04:31pm

Business & Finance

Pakistan, Russia to initiate LNG pipeline construction from 2021

At present, Pakistan has two LNG terminals, which are operating at full capacity to cater to higher demand during winters.

Updated 17 Dec, 2020 04:33pm

Pakistan

20 new oil & gas exploration blocks to be auctioned next month: Nadeem Babar

Under the project, he said, Pakistan would have a majority share of 51 percent to 74 percent, while Russia would own the remainder.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 04:28pm

Europe

Spain's Sanchez quarantines after France's Macron tests positive for COVID-19

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has suspended all public activities and will quarantine until Dec.24 after being in contact with French President Emmanuel Macron, who has tested positive for COVID-19.
Sanchez and Macron met on Monday in Paris. Video footage of Macron welcoming the Spanish prime minister at the Elysee Palace showed both wore masks and did not shake hands.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 04:28pm

Pakistan

National COVID positivity surges at 6.3 percent; 2,505 patients critical

It added that as per the gender analysis of the deceased around 70 percent were males with 77.5 percent over the age of 50-year with age median of 61-year.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 04:26pm

Pakistan

Sindh governor calls on prime minister

The Sindh governor also invited the prime minister to visit the province which he accepted, a PM Office press release said.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 04:24pm

Pakistan

Egyptian Ambassador calls on Federal Maritime Affairs Minister

He appreciated the efforts of Minister Zaidi for developing the maritime sector and the blue economy in Pakistan along with focusing on export growth and facilitation.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 04:21pm

Pakistan

Vegetables exports increased record 20.16pc

During the period from July-Oct 20, vegetables worth US $ 66,554 thousand exported as compared to US $ 55,386 thousand of same period of last year.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 04:14pm

Companies

President, CEO PTCL & Ufone Rashid Khan passes away

“With immense sorrow we must announce that Rashid Khan, President and CEO, PTCL & Ufone, has passed away this morning. His vision & extraordinary leadership positioned him as one of the pioneers of Pakistan's telecom industry,” stated Ufone in a statement.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 04:07pm

Pakistan

LHC imposes heavy fine on using polythene bags

The court instructed that those found using polythene bags be given a three-day warning to shun the practice
On September 17, the LHC had banned the use of polythene bags across the province and termed it hazardous for environment and human health

Published 17 Dec, 2020 04:07pm

Rates.Bullion

Bullion Rates

KARACHI: Gold and silver rates in rupees per 10 grams prevailing in major cities on Wednesday (December 16, 2020)....

Updated 17 Dec, 2020 04:10pm

Pakistan

Pakistan intends to work with China on solar panel technology in next three months: Ch Fawad

Chaudhry Fawad said working on Science and Technology, Energy and Solar Energy projects like China was the top priority of the present government.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 04:01pm

Europe

UK's Patel says on Brexit: we're in 'tunnel' of negotiations

The United Kingdom will work flat out for a Brexit trade deal and the two sides are in “tunnel” negotiations but if a deal with the European Union is not possible then the country will be prepared, interior minister Priti Patel said on Thursday.
The “tunnel” is a term for an intense final stage of secretive, make-or-break negotiations.

Updated 17 Dec, 2020 03:40pm

Pakistan

Targets for promotion of SMEs should be achieved to improve economic indicators: PM

Imran says country’s all economic indicators are on a positive trajectory and the promotion of SMEs is a must to bring further improvement
Officials say Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority is being restructured to further enhance its capacity

Published 17 Dec, 2020 03:28pm

Technology

Games without frontiers: Indians, Pakistanis team up for eSports

"I somehow managed to retain a slot for my team but was not allowed to pick Indian players. So I got in touch with the Pakistan players," says Shafiq.
"The Pakistan team played in the world league last year... so I told them they should collaborate with me and they agreed."

Published 17 Dec, 2020 03:16pm

Sports

Mohammad Amir leaves cricket due to 'mental torture' by current administration

“Right now I am leaving cricket. I am being mentally tortured. I don’t think, I will be able to handle this kind of torture because I have been tortured a lot from 2010 to 2015," says the pacer.
The left-armer, who arrived at the scene in a T20I game against England in June 2009, participated in 147 international fixtures in which he took 259 wickets.

Updated 17 Dec, 2020 03:22pm

Pakistan

Senate polls: JUI-F Chief likely to meet PPP leadership during Karachi visit

They are expected to exchange views on Senate elections, PDM’s deadline to the government and over all political situation.
JUI-F Chief had opposed the government’s decision to hold early Senate polls via a open voting.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 03:10pm

Europe

French President Emmanuel Macron tests positive for COVID-19

Macron will now isolate for seven days but will continue to work and carry out his activities remotely.

Updated 17 Dec, 2020 03:01pm

South Asia

Indian farm widows join protests against agriculture reforms

Hundreds of Indian women, including many widows of farmers who were believed to have killed themselves over debt, joined a protest on Wednesday against government reforms that farmers say threaten their livelihoods.
Farmers have been protesting for nearly a month over the reforms, enacted in September, to deregulate the agriculture sector, allowing farmers to sell to buyers beyond government-regulated wholesale markets.

Updated 17 Dec, 2020 02:40pm

Pakistan

Karachi’s COVID-19 positivity rate jumps up to 16.59 pc: NCOC

According to National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) data, among overall 71 deaths, 39 were reported in Punjab.
Sindh has the highest positivity rate recorded at 10.6 pc, Azad Kashmir 11.4 pc, Balochistan 14.2 pc, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 8.1 pc and in Punjab 3.8 percent.

Updated 17 Dec, 2020 02:26pm

Pakistan

Gwadar fencing project kick-starts to shield belt and road projects

In initial stage, barbed wires will be installed around 15,000-acre land of Gwadar city
GPA chief says the initiative to install fences will transform Gwadar and it will become safer and more secure

Published 17 Dec, 2020 02:23pm

World

UK's Patel says on Brexit: we're in 'tunnel' of negotiations

"First of all, the prime minister and the government, we've all been very clear we are not walking away, we will continue to negotiate to get this free-trade agreement," Patel told LBC radio.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 01:50pm

Stocks

European shares up for fourth session on stimulus optimism

Germany and France said they were set to begin inoculating their citizens with the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine in the last week of December, once it is approved by the European Medicines Agency.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 01:47pm

Business & Finance

FBR to launch online module in Iris to promote Green Field Industry

FBR said that faceless compliance and facilitation through the use of ICT tools is a priority agenda of organizations under the vision of the present government.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 01:44pm

Stocks

British mid-caps rise on Brexit deal hopes

Oil majors BP and Royal Dutch Shell were among the biggest boosts to the index.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 01:44pm

Financial

German bond yields edge higher ahead of issuance outlook

Positive risk sentiment on the back of progress on US stimulus, where negotiators were closing in on a $900 billion COVID-19 aid bill, and hopes for a Brexit trade deal probably also hurt safe-haven bonds.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 01:42pm

Stocks

Major Gulf markets flat in early trade, Dubai extends gains

The Abu Dhabi benchmark index traded flat, with First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) gaining 0.2% and telecoms firm Etisalat falling 0.3%.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 01:40pm

Financial

Swiss National Bank keeps expansive policy in place

The SNB kept its policy rate locked at minus 0.75%, as unanimously forecast by economists in a Reuters poll.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 01:38pm

Business & Finance

Surging investor interest puts Bitcoin at new all-time peak

The world's highest profile crypto-currency has gained more than 175% this year.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 01:34pm

Pakistan

Karachi cop confesses he was part of MQM-L's 11-member target killing team

ASI Saleem was posted at at the investigation wing of the Shahrea Faisal police station
MQM-L hitman says the group was funded by Indian spy agency RAW to carry out terrorism activities and had received funds worth millions from abroad

Published 17 Dec, 2020 01:27pm

Business & Finance

Crypocurrency Ban Case: SHC issues show-cause notice to Deputy Director FIA Cyber Crime

The court expressed frustration with the FIA and Assistant Attorney General Gulfraz Khattak for not submitting a reply.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 12:54pm

Stocks

Australia shares hit near 10-month closing high on faster recovery projection

Tech stocks continued their winning streak, closing at a record level. Afterpay was the biggest gainer in the index, marking a record closing level for the fourth session in a row.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 12:48pm

Business & Finance

Singapore's Nov exports fall 4.9% in year's biggest drop

The analysts said they expected exports from the city-state to rise 3.6% year-on-year in 2020, below the government's official forecast range of 4% to 4.5% growth.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 12:46pm

Forex

South Africa's rand hits 10-month high as risk appetite nudges up

Lower interest rates in the United States typically lift demand for higher-yielding assets in emerging markets like South Africa.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 12:44pm

Pakistan

PM Khan, Afghan President discuss peace process as Taliban delegation visits Islamabad

Pakistan's foreign office has said that the Taliban's visit is taking place in consultation with the Afghan government.
PM Khan has welcomed the recent progress in the Intra-Afghan negotiations in Doha.
A delegation from Doha-based Taliban’s Political Commission (TPC) is in Pakistan and will also meet the PM during their three-day visit.

Updated 17 Dec, 2020 12:44pm

Companies

Nokia names new chief strategy and technology officer

Batra, who is currently CTO at auto technology group Veoneer.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 12:42pm

Pakistan

LHC directs NAB to wrap up probe against Chaudhry brothers in four weeks

NAB DG told the court the bureau has closed an illegal appointments inquiry against Elahi while the ongoing assets beyond means investigation against both petitioners will be completed in six months
Chaudhry brothers stated that NAB has become a political institution

Published 17 Dec, 2020 12:40pm

Companies

Novartis buys neuroscience company Cadent for up to $770mn

Novartis said the acquisition added two new clinical stage programs to its neuroscience portfolio, one for schizophrenia and the other for movement disorders.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 12:37pm

Commodities

Asia Coffee-Vietnam supply steady but trade subdued, Indonesia quiet

Rabobank on Monday expected Vietnam's production in 2021/22 to increase by 5% to 30.3 million bags of 60 kg each.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 12:33pm

Credit Agricole has no plans to up Creval takeover bid -Italy head to paper

The Italian division of France's Credit Agricole last month offered 10.50 euro ($12.84) a share to buy the Italian lender for an overall investment of 737 million euros.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 12:31pm

Business & Finance

Saudi economy shrinks 4.6% in Q3 as oil sector takes a hit

The world's largest oil exporter said on Tuesday it expects the economy to shrink by 3.7% this year but to swing back to growth of 3.2% next year.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 12:30pm

Commodities

Jordan tenders to buy 120,000 tonnes feed barley

A new tender had been expected after Jordan made no purchase in its previous barley tender also seeking 120,000 tonnes on Tuesday.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 12:27pm

Commodities

Rio Tinto taps insider Stausholm for CEO in surprise pick after cave destruction

A parliamentary inquiry has called on Rio to pay restitution to Indigenous Australians affected by the destruction and also fully reconstruct the rock shelters.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 12:25pm

Pakistan

FM Qureshi arrives in UAE on two-day visit

The FM will hold discussions with the UAE leadership on all areas of mutual interest including regional and global issues.
He will also meet the Pakistani diaspora there which is home to the second largest Pakistani community abroad.

Updated 17 Dec, 2020 12:27pm

Companies

European new car sales drop by 13.5% y/y in November

Europe's five largest markets all posted negative results.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 12:21pm

Business & Finance

US says it provided $128mn in debt relief to Pakistan in 2020

"Through efforts like this, the U.S. and Pakistan are working together to redirect critical resources to the COVID19 pandemic response,” stated the US Embassy Islamabad

Published 17 Dec, 2020 12:16pm

Forex

Rouble climbs on rising oil prices ahead of Putin press conference

The Russian market will have one eye on Thursday on Putin fielding questions from the media, an annual event, which can last for several hours and is due to begin at 1200 (0900 GMT) in Moscow.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 12:20pm

Stocks

Tokyo stocks close higher

While the broader Topix index was up 0.32 percent, or 5.75 points, at 1,792.58.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 12:16pm

Technology

China's Alibaba pushed software that identifies Uighurs: report

Alibaba is the leader in China's huge e-commerce sector and has expanded into cloud computing, brick-and-mortar stores, delivery services and overseas expansion.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 12:09pm

Pakistan

Seven more areas in Peshawar to go under lockdown as COVID-19 positivity rate reaches 13.34%

Anyone who fails to follow the orders will be booked under Sections 17 and 18 of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Epidemic Control and Emergency Relief Act 2020 and/or Section 33 of National Disaster Management Authority Act, 2010.
NCOC said on Thursday that Peshawar has the second highest positivity rate of 13.34 %.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 12:15pm

World

As Brexit looms, British hauliers fear bumps in the road

Haulage companies will probably require an international permit to travel through EU member countries, called an ECMT.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 12:06pm

Stocks

Hong Kong stocks end morning higher

The Hang Seng Index added 0.08 percent, or 21.50 points, to 26,481.79.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 12:03pm

Technology

Chinese craft returns to Earth with Moon rocks

"These samples will help reveal secrets of our Earth-Moon system (and) gain new insights about the history of our solar system."

Published 17 Dec, 2020 11:50am

Business & Finance

Pakistan, WB sign $304mn loan agreement for PRIDE

The program aims to help the Government of Punjab to increase its own source revenue; and to improve reliability of resource allocation and access to digital services for people and firms in the Province.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 11:49am

Europe

Sweden struggles under second virus wave

In part the response has also been constrained by legislation, including a guarantee on freedom of movement enshrined in the constitution.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 11:45am

World

Some vaccine doses kept too cold, Pfizer having manufacturing issues: US officials

At least two trays of COVID-19 vaccine doses delivered in California needed to be replaced after their storage temperatures dipped below minus 80 Celsius
Officials are investigating whether storing the vaccines at excessively cold temperatures poses a safety or efficacy risk

Published 17 Dec, 2020 11:40am

Sports

Starc, Cummins draw first blood in opening Test against India

It proved slow going as he and Mayank Agarwal rode their luck, with Pujara surviving again when a thick edge off Starc flew past Nathan Lyon's outstretched arm.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 11:39am

World

Pfizer delivers Phase 3 test results for COVID-19 vaccine to Brazil regulator

Pfizer is the second company to do so after AstraZeneca Plc delivered its results to Anvisa earlier in December.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 11:36am

Middle East

Aramco may have to sell assets, borrow more to maintain Saudi dividend

Oil giant Aramco, whose dividend remains vital to helping Saudi Arabia contain a huge deficit, may have to sell assets and borrow more to fulfil its fiscal role amid uncertainty in oil prices.
Aramco, the world’s largest oil producer, listed in 2019 in a record $29.4 billion share sale, but the government still owns 98.2% of the group.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 11:32am

Energy

Pemex could be downgraded if Mexico's govt debt rating is cut, says Moody's

But a combination of declining output, crushing tax obligations and a hefty payroll burden have gradually weakened the company, which is a major source of federal budget revenues.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 11:32am

Football

AC Milan fight back again to salvage draw at Genoa

Calabria drew Milan level with a superb diagonal strike from outside the area before Destro struck again when he rose to head in a cross and Kalulu came to Milan's rescue seven minutes from time.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 11:31am

Companies

Brazil airline Azul says Q1 capacity should exceed 85% of pre-pandemic levels

ASK for December 2020 will come to roughly 70% of December 2019 levels, the company said.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 11:28am

Financial

Yield curve steeper after Fed maintains bond-buying

The 10-year breakeven rate, which reflects investor expectations of inflation, rose to its highest since April 2019, last at 1.93%.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 11:26am

USA

U.S. says recent hacking campaign hit government networks

The U.S. government confirmed on Wednesday that a recent hacking campaign affected its networks and said the attack was “significant and ongoing.”

Published 17 Dec, 2020 11:13am

Financial

South Korea central bank extends Fed currency swap line for another six months

The Bank of Korea had suspended dollar auctions after injecting a total $19.872 billion through six separate auctions.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 11:22am

Pakistan

COVID vaccine will be available in February or March next year, says SAPM Sultan

Faisal says COVID-19 is rapidly spreading in the densely populated areas of the country and the positivity ratio in Karachi is highest
Pandemic can only be controlled by adhering to SOPs until the availability of the vaccine: Special assistant

Published 17 Dec, 2020 11:24am

Companies

Pakistan Tobacco Company to establish BPO hub, will generate thousands of jobs

Razak said that the upcoming BPO hub has the potential to create over 3000 jobs over the next five years.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 11:16am

Sports

Klopp sees Spurs as title rivals, Mourinho demands killer touch

"I promise you that the ambition is there. If in any match you see us not trying to win it, it's not because we won't want to... it's because the opponent pushes us to different situations.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 11:19am

Companies

Boeing CEO says possibility of 'large equity raise' is speculative: CNBC

The planemaker was a little speculative and the company did not plan to go down that path.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 11:14am

Business & Finance

US, EU deal on aircraft subsidies should include China clause

European diplomats said the sides remained at odds, but expected to eventually reach an agreement with Lighthizer or possibly his successor.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 11:13am

Financial

Bank of England set to wait for end to Brexit stand-off

The BoE's bond-buying programme is widely seen as its most likely weapon should it need to return to the stimulus pumps.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 10:55am

World

Brazil will purchase Sinovac vaccine, state governor says

The right-wing leader, a China critic, has frequently ridiculed the CoronaVac vaccine, saying it is untrustworthy because of its "origin."

Published 17 Dec, 2020 10:53am

Technology

Zoom to Lift its 40 Minute Meeting limit for the holidays

Zoom has announced that it will lift its 40 minute meeting limit for free accounts all over the world during the upcoming holidays.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 10:37am

World

New Zealand plans vaccine roll-out in second half of 2021

COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said the health ministry has purchased nine large minus 80 degree Celsius freezers that can store more than 1.5 million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 10:50am

Commodities

Will China boost corn output or become a permanent importer?

But around April this year, the country's corn prices began to rise. Between May and September, the ministry held several reserve auctions, which were cleaned out almost every time despite the high costs.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 10:49am

Forex

Dollar in doldrums as progress on US stimulus, Brexit deals dent safety bid

Bitcoin traded at $21,342 after smashing through the $20,000 barrier for the first time overnight, and extending as high as $21,420 on Thursday.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 10:44am

Markets

China’s Stock Exchanges leads Global IPO Funding in 2020

The New York Stock Exchange is expected to be in fourth spot with $32.2bn raised in IPO listings in 2020, followed by Shenzhen Stock Exchange with $18.5bn raised in IPO listings in 2020.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 10:44am

Pakistan

Pakistan LNG seeks cargoes for March delivery

The tender closes on Jan. 15 and remains valid until Jan. 25.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 10:41am

World

Biden to get COVID-19 vaccine next week, Pence to receive it Friday

Appearing with Buttigieg in Wilmington, Delaware, Biden said the 38-year-old would confront the task of restoring what he called "our crumbling roads, bridges and ports." Biden has proposed a massive boost in infrastructure spending.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 10:38am

Financial

Philippine central bank seen holding rates steady after surprise cut

The government now expects the economy to contract by 8.5%-9.5% for the year, worse than the previous forecast of a 5.5% decline.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 10:33am

World

Japan PM Suga's carbon-neutral pledge to boost domestic green bond market, says govt panel member

The Bank of Japan can also promote green finance by setting ESG guidelines for its asset management, which would send a message to private banks that they should do so too, she said.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 10:30am

World

FDA says extra doses from vials of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine can be used

"However, since the vials are preservative free, it is critical to note that any further remaining product that does not constitute a full dose should not be pooled from multiple vials to create one," the statement added.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 10:28am

Energy

Oil prices hit nine-month high after US crude stock draw

Refinery crude runs fell by 253,000 barrels per day in the past week, EIA said. Refinery utilization rates fell by 0.8 percentage point in the week.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 10:25am

Energy

LNG tanker rates soar as Asian gas demand spikes

It was unclear if any deals for ship hires had been done at these rates but three shipbrokers said they estimated rates at $150,000 to $175,000 a day for both routes.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 10:23am

Commodities

Soybeans edge higher on concerns over South America crop

US soy processors crushed 181.018 million bushels of soybeans in November, their third-largest monthly crush on record, the National Oilseed Processors Association said.MARKET NEWS

Published 17 Dec, 2020 10:20am

World

Australia Nov jobs soar again in boost to economic recovery

Economists polled by Reuters were predicting an addition of 50,000 jobs with the unemployment rate staying steady at 7%.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 10:16am

Technology

US says recent hacking campaign hit government networks

"The FBI is investigating and gathering intelligence in order to attribute, pursue, and disrupt the responsible threat actors," the statement said.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 10:13am

Sports

Johnson masters annus horribilis to return to the top

Lee's compatriot Kim Sei-young won the KPMG Women's PGA Championship in October and Kim A Lim, also from South Korea, pulled off a thrilling come-from-behind victory at the US Women's Open in December.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 10:11am

Sports

Australian Open to start on Feb. 8

The ATP tournament scheduled to take place in Adelaide has been moved to Melbourne to be played in the week commencing Jan. 31 alongisde another men's tournament in the city.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 10:08am

Stocks

South Korean shares fall as virus worries overshadow US stimulus hopes

South Korea's central bank said it has agreed to renew an existing currency swap agreement with the Fed by another six months to at least Sept. 30, 2021.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 10:04am

World

South Korea reports record daily rise in coronavirus deaths

Hospitals were at a breaking point with only three critical care beds available as of Wednesday in greater Seoul, an area with a population of almost 26 million people, officials said.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 10:02am

Financial

Australia hails faster economic recovery as COVID-19 outbreak suppressed

Adding to the tide of stimulus, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has slashed interest rates to near zero and launched a A$100 billion bond-buying program, saying creating jobs was a "national priority."

Published 17 Dec, 2020 09:57am

Stocks

Japan stocks flat in tug of war between rising virus cases, stimulus

Japan Post Insurance rose 11.79% after media reports that it would buy back $2.9 billion of its own shares from its parent Japan Post Holdings, whose shares rose 4.12%.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 09:54am

Financial

Taiwan central bank says US move to monitor its currency reflects trade surplus

The Taiwan dollar has strengthened more than 6% against the US dollar this year.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 09:52am

World

Fiji under curfew, state of disaster as Cyclone Yasa approaches

Over 850,000 Fijians, or 95% of the population, live in the direct path of Yasa, said Bainimarama, adding that weather forecasts anticipated flash flooding and "severe coastal inundation" that included waves up to 10 metres (33 ft) high.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 09:49am

Pakistan

Two bears airlifted from Islamabad zoo weeks after elephant rescue

The bears will be rehabilitated in a Jordan sanctuary where they will share thousands of acres of forest with ten other bears.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 09:48am

Forex

Australia, NZ dollars hit fresh highs as economies outperform

"A stronger than expected economy certainly goes in that direction, but this needs to be balanced against other developments such as the sharply higher New Zealand dollar."

Published 17 Dec, 2020 09:45am

World

Texas, nine U.S. states accuse Google of working with Facebook to break antitrust law

The Texas lawsuit is the second major complaint from regulators against Google and the fourth in a series of federal and state lawsuits aimed at reining in alleged bad behavior by Big Tech platforms that have grown significantly in the past two decades.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 09:44am

Commodities

Copper advances as investors eye further US stimulus

LME aluminium rose 0.5% to $2,044.50 a tonne, zinc advanced 0.4% to $2,842 a tonne .

Published 17 Dec, 2020 09:43am

World

Saudis pushing for Gulf dispute breakthrough at summit - sources

The dispute, in which Saudi Arabia and its allies severed diplomatic, trade and travel ties with Qatar in mid-2017, has seen movement with Riyadh earlier this month saying a final solution was within reach.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 09:41am

Commodities

Palm extend gains tracking rival oils

US soybean futures edged higher as concerns over production in South America supported prices.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 09:37am

Commodities

China steel futures at near one-week high on demand optimism

However, iron ore on the Singapore Exchange slipped 0.4% to $154.25 a tonne after strong recent gains.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 09:35am

World

Mexico to hike daily minimum wage for workers by 15%

Leftist leader Lopez Obrador, who has vowed to prioritize the poor in a country with huge wealth disparity, has said the previous minimum salaries were shameful.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 09:34am

Technology

Google secretly gave Facebook perks, data in ad deal, US states allege

The US Department of Justice also has been investigating the agreement between the companies as part of its antitrust probe into Google, six people familiar with the investigation said.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 09:31am

World

China welcomes WHO-led trip to investigate COVID-19, WHO official says

On Wednesday, a WHO member and diplomats told Reuters the international mission led by the WHO was expected to go to China in the first week of January to investigate the origins of the virus that sparked the COVID-19 pandemic.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 09:28am

World

US vaccine campaign grows as COVID-19 kills 3,000-plus Americans daily

With hospitalizations setting a record for the 19th day in a row - nearly 113,000 patients under treatment on Wednesday - health experts warn that fatalities will rise higher still in the weeks ahead, even as the vaccine campaign steadily expands.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 09:24am

USA

US Interior Secretary Bernhardt tests positive for COVID-19

Bernhardt was asymptomatic and would continue to work while in quarantine.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 09:23am

World

UN Security Council to talk Western Sahara after Trump policy switch

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres "position remains unchanged," said UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric last week.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 09:20am

Energy

Sinopec's Changling refinery to shut 160,000 bpd crude unit for 55-day overhaul

The overhaul is expected to run for 55 days, starting from mid-February 2021.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 09:17am

Worldwide coronavirus cases cross 72.92 million, death toll at 1,641,733

Infections have been reported in more than 210 countries and territories since the first cases were identified in China in December 2019.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 09:12am

Financial

Thai central bank sees no 'material impact' after added to US currency watch list

The comment came after Washington put Thailand on its watch list of countries suspected of taking measures to weaken their currencies against the dollar.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 09:07am

Stocks

Hong Kong shares up at start of trade

The Hang Seng Index rose 0.56 percent, or 148.15 points, to 26,608.44.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 09:04am

Stocks

Tokyo shares back to black in early trade after US gains

Among major shares, imaging and medical firm FujiFilm Holdings lost 3.46 percent to 5,504 yen.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 09:01am

Stocks

Asian markets drift as dealers track US stimulus, Brexit talks

While markets are stuttering this month heading into the Christmas break, Brian Nick at Nuveen sounded a note of optimism.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 08:58am

Sports

Injured Australia opener Warner targets Boxing Day Test return

"I managed to get up to 14 kilometres an hour (8.7mph) so I've got to work towards a max of 26 to 30 kilometres an hour by next week.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 08:55am

Sports

India win toss, bat in first Test against Australia

A limited, socially-distanced, crowd was allowed into the venue to watch on a cool, overcast day.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 08:52am

Commodities

Gold near 1-week high on growing prospects of US stimulus

Britain and the European Union have moved closer to sealing a new trade deal but it was still unclear if they would succeed, the bloc's chief executive said on Wednesday.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 08:48am

Stocks

Australia shares rise on US stimulus hopes, gold stocks boost

The S&P/ASX 200 index rose 0.4% to 6,708.5 by 0010 GMT, with miners leading the charge.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 08:46am

Stocks

Australia shares set to open higher as miners poised to ride iron ore rally

The local share price index futures rose 0.4%, a 26.8-point premium to the underlying S&P/ASX 200 index close.

Published 17 Dec, 2020 02:52am

Senate session: Requisition awaiting to be signed by senators: Mandviwalla

Pakistan

Currency	Rate
USD PKR Interbank Selling / Jun 24	278.40
USD PKR Interbank Buying / Jun 24	278.20
USD to Japanese Yen / Jun 26	161.72
USD to Swiss Franc / Jun 26	0.81
Pound Sterling to USD / Jun 26	1.32
Euro to USD / Jun 26	1.14
SOFR % / Jun 24	3.62

Stock	Volume
S&P 500 / Jun 25	7,357.49
India Sensex / Jun 25	77,100.47
Nasdaq / Jun 25	25,358.60
Dow Jones / Jun 25	51,920.62
Tokyo Nikkei / Jun 26	68,853.35
Hang Seng / Jun 26	22,645.31
FTSE 100 / Jun 26	10,459.33
Germany DAX 30 / Jun 26	24,706.87
France CAC40 / Jun 26	8,385.08

Item	Value
Karachi Cotton PKR/37.32 KG / Jun 24	18,280
Gold 10 Grams PKR / Jun 24	368,985
Petrol/Litre / Jun 26	299.50
Crude Oil USD/Barrel / Jun 26	70.44
Gold Spot USD/Ounce / Jun 26	4,032.47
Diesel/Litre / Jun 26	311.47
Cotton US¢/pound / Jun 26	76.16

Stock	Price
Ghani Chemworld Limited (R) / Jun 24 Ghani Chemworld Limited Right(GCWLR)	8.01 ▲ 1 (14.27%)
Gulistan Sp. / Jun 24 Gulistan Spinning Mills Limited(GUSM)	10.01 ▲ 0.94 (10.36%)
Ali Asghar / Jun 24 Ali Asghar Textile Mills Limited(AATM)	57.61 ▲ 5.24 (10.01%)
Al-Shaheer Corp / Jun 24 Al Shaheer Corporation Limited(ASC)	12.20 ▲ 1.11 (10.01%)
Feroze 1888 / Jun 24 Feroze1888 Mills Limited(FML)	57.48 ▲ 5.23 (10.01%)
J.A.Textile / Jun 24 J.A. Textile Mills Limited(JATM)	33.52 ▲ 3.05 (10.01%)
Sardar Chemical / Jun 24 Sardar Chemical Industries Limited(SARC)	77.07 ▲ 7.01 (10.01%)
Buxly Paints / Jun 24 Buxly Paints Limited(BUXL)	251.72 ▲ 22.88 (10%)
Chashma / Jun 24 Chashma Sugar Mills Limited(CHAS)	101.19 ▲ 9.2 (10%)
Fateh Sports / Jun 24 Fateh Sports Wear Limited(FSWL)	111.29 ▲ 10.12 (10%)

Stock	Price
First Fid. Leasing / Jun 24 First Fidelity Leasing Modaraba(FFLM)	22.28 ▼ -2.47 (-9.98%)
Int. Knit. / Jun 24 International Knitwear Limited(INKL)	100.26 ▼ -11.12 (-9.98%)
Aruj Industries / Jun 24 Aruj Industries Limited(ARUJ)	10.80 ▼ -1.14 (-9.55%)
NIT PakistanXD / Jun 24 NIT Pakistan Gateway ETF(NITGETF)	37.25 ▼ -3.75 (-9.15%)
Aisha Steel(ConPS) / Jun 24 Aisha Steel(ConPS)(ASLPS)	23.52 ▼ -2.32 (-8.98%)
Pakgen Power / Jun 24 Pakgen Power Limited(PKGP)	43.13 ▼ -3.72 (-7.94%)
First AL-Noor Mod. / Jun 24 First Al-Noor Modaraba(FANM)	7.06 ▼ -0.51 (-6.74%)
Zuma Resources / Jun 24 Zuma Resources Limited(ZUMA)	104.71 ▼ -7.26 (-6.48%)
Popular Islamic / Jun 24 Popular Islamic Modaraba(PIM)	22.28 ▼ -1.26 (-5.35%)
TPL Insurance / Jun 24 TPL Insurance Limited(TPLI)	25.60 ▼ -1.44 (-5.33%)

Stock	Volume
K-Electric Ltd. / Jun 24 K-Electric Limited(KEL)	112,892,122 ▲ 0.33
Pak Int.Bulk / Jun 24 Pakistan International Bulk Terminal(PIBTL)	73,295,107 ▲ 0.94
WorldCall Telecom / Jun 24 Worldcall Telecom Limited(WTL)	38,761,163 ▲ 0.01
Pak Elektron / Jun 24 Pak Elektron Limited(PAEL)	31,348,609 ▲ 1.02
Maple Leaf Cement / Jun 24 Maple Leaf Cement Factory Limited(MLCF)	27,194,838 ▲ 3.85
PIA Holding Co.Ltd / Jun 24 PIA Holding Company Limited(PIAHCLA)	21,872,379 ▲ 1.92
Kohinoor Spinning / Jun 24 Kohinoor Spinning Mills Limited(KOSM)	20,610,130 ▲ 0.11
Sui South Gas / Jun 24 Sui Southern Gas Company Limited(SSGC)	20,069,542 ▼ -0.9
The Organic Meat / Jun 24 The Organic Meat Company Limited(TOMCL)	20,043,142 ▲ 2.92
B.O.Punjab / Jun 24 The Bank of Punjab(BOP)	18,657,800 ▲ 0.26