News Archives for Latest - 2020-12-31

Pakistan

Punjab govt taking steps to ensure cleanliness in Lahore

SACM said that government was preparing alternate planning for ensuring smooth cleanliness working in the metropolis.

Updated 01 Jan, 2021 12:23am

Europe

Hungary says will focus on EU, Chinese coronavirus vaccine purchases

"We are happy to partake in the testing, but vaccines en masse may come as part of the EU procurements or from China," he added.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 11:33pm

Europe

France to open city COVID-19 vaccination centres before start of February: minister

Veran said on Twitter the government had decided to "speed up protection of priority public", meaning medical workers aged over 50 would get a vaccine from Monday.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 11:30pm

Stocks

Wall Street set to wind up pandemic year with gains

The S&P 500 has climbed almost 70pc from its March low, putting it on course for a more than 15pc yearly gain.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 11:19pm

Commodities

Gold set to end volatile 2020 with strong gains; silver outperforms

Spot gold was trading around $1,893.45 per ounce by 12:46 p.m. EST (1746 GMT). U.S. gold futures gained 0.2pc to $1,897.30.

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 11:19pm

Pakistan

NA Speaker decides not to accept resignations of two PML-N MNAs

The MNAs had earlier written to the speaker requesting not to accept their resignations as they renege from the party’s stance of en masse resignations.
The secretariat had sent a note to both the MNAs for either confirming or denying the development within seven days.

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 10:20pm

Pakistan

Shibli Faraz reminds opposition of resignation deadline

"Today is December 31. The deadline for resignations ends at 12 midnight," he wrote on Twitter. He tweeted, "Under Imran Khan's leadership, Pakistan emerged from the challenge [better than many]. We accorded importance to both health and the economy."

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 09:52pm

Pakistan

PM okays petrol price hike by Rs 2.31 against OGRA proposal for Rs 10.68

The decision was taken keeping in view the government’s priorities for maximum possible steps to provide relief to the masses.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 09:51pm

Pakistan

Pakistan’s IT exports surge 39pc amid improved global image, sector maturity: Report

Pakistan’s IT and IT-related services exports posted an increase of 51 percent, amounting $168 million, in the month of November 2020 alone.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 09:48pm

Pakistan

Local LPG price increases by Rs187.47 per 11.8-kg cylinder

Authority increased the locally produced LPG price by Rs187.47 per cylinder of 11.8 kilogram.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 09:46pm

Pakistan

Qadri urges ulema, educational institutions to play role in promotion of Dawah

The religious minister also discussed the ethics of Dawah while adding that a preacher must have a soft spoken attribute in his personality.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 09:44pm

Pakistan

Pakistan excels as 'anchor of peace' at foreign policy front

Pakistan effectively exposed India's state-sponsored terrorism and disinformation agenda.
Also, it was ensured that Kashmir dispute was highlighted at every regional, multilateral and bilateral forum and engagement.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 09:42pm

Pakistan

Govt making efforts to eliminate COVID-19, corruption from society: Dr Firdous

She said that during last 24 hours, 31 patients of coronavirus had lost their lives.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 09:38pm

Stocks

European stocks close lower on New Year's Eve

Britain's benchmark index has lost more than 14 percent over the course of 2020, slammed by deadly coronavirus fallout and Brexit turmoil.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 09:19pm

Forex

Dollar on track for worst year since 2017

An improving economic outlook as COVID-19 vaccines are rolled out and unprecedented fiscal and monetary stimulus has dimmed the allure of the greenback.
The US currency is also suffering from rising fiscal and current account deficits that show no signs of slowing down.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 09:14pm

Companies

Moderna to supply 40mn doses of COVID-19 vaccine to South Korea

The vaccine, which is authorized for emergency use in the United States and Canada, is not currently approved in South Korea.
The company said it would work with regulators to pursue an approval prior to the distribution of the vaccine.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 09:08pm

Middle East

Iran's Zarif says Trump aims to fabricate 'pretext for war'

The two countries have twice come to the brink of war since June 2019, especially following the killing of Soleimani.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 09:11pm

Europe

Putin urges unity in 2021 as second wave batters Russia

Moscow, one of the country's epicentres, saw virus-related deaths rise from 1,569 in September to 3,573 in October to 4,542 in November.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 09:09pm

Sports

Man Utd players cannot 'fake' their way into team, says Solskjaer

Solskjaer said his players had realised it was a privilege to play for the 20-time English champions.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 09:07pm

Money & Banking

Poland's Pekao to buy Idea Bank after compulsory restructuring

Its owner Leszek Czarnecki denounced the takeover as illegal in a statement on his lawyer's Facebook page.
Pawel Borys, the chief executive of Polish state fund PFR, said on Twitter it meant "one less risk in the banking sector in 2021".

Published 31 Dec, 2020 09:04pm

Sports

Murray pulls out of Delray Beach Open over virus fears

Murray, a three-time Grand Slam champion, has slipped to 122nd in the world after an injury-ravaged three years.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 09:06pm

Energy

Virus-ravaged oil market collapses by a fifth in 2020

On April 20, WTI crude collapsed to minus $40.32 per barrel -- meaning producers paid buyers to take the oil off their hands.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 09:04pm

Energy

US natgas futures set for best year since 2016

Front-month natural gas futures for February delivery rose 5.9 cents, or 2.4%, to $2.481 per million British thermal units.
Couple that insight with today being the last trading day of 2020 and we are seeing increased volatility early in the session.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 09:02pm

Africa

C.Africa president Touadera heading to election victory, says party

A powerful coalition of opposition groups on Wednesday said the December 27 vote was badly flawed and demanded its "cancellation, pure and simple".

Published 31 Dec, 2020 09:02pm

Companies

Etihad stake in Air Serbia cut to 18pc after government steps in

The state has increased its stake in Air Serbia to 82% from 51%, a step the airline said was undertaken to help it through the COVID-19 pandemic.
The recapitalisation of the Serbian national airline was undertaken at the request of Air Serbia.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 09:02pm

Stocks

US stocks lower at start of last session of rocky 2020

The broad-based S&P 500 shed 0.1 percent to 3,729.01, while the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index lost 0.2 percent at 12,842.30.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 09:00pm

Stocks

TSX falls on weakness in energy, materials stocks

The materials sector, which includes precious and base metals miners and fertilizer companies, slipped 0.7%.
Toronto Stock Exchange's S&P/TSX composite index was down 62.3 points, or 0.36%, at 17,483.51.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 08:58pm

Africa

Sudan says back in full control of border with Ethiopia

Some 50,000 Ethiopian refugees poured across the border to escape the fighting.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 08:58pm

Forex

Mexico's peso gains, but set for worst year since 2016

The peso gained 0.3% after Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said on Twitter that Mexican authorization of AstraZeneca and Oxford University's vaccine was "imminent."
MSCI's index of LatAm currencies and stocks dropped between 13% and 15% this year.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 08:56pm

Europe

'No bottlenecks': France's bustling Calais port ready for Brexit

France's new high-tech "smart border" is designed to keep goods moving smoothly along the world's busiest shipping route.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 08:56pm

Financial

UK two-year bonds finish 2020 at record high on COVID fears

Two-year gilt yields struck a record low of -0.173% shortly after 0800 GMT, and are down 0.7 percentage points.
Five-year gilt yields also finished the year below zero at -0.08%, near a record low set in July.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 08:53pm

USA

Painful 2020 ends for US workers and layoffs could rise again

New initial jobless claims slipped to 787,000 for the week ended December 26, a drop of 19,000 from the prior week.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 08:53pm

Forex

Nigerian naira eased 4.2pc on spot market to 410.25 per dollar

The currency opened at 392.88 to the dollar on the market, widely quoted by foreign investors and exporters, on thin volumes.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 08:52pm

Business & Finance

Virus-hit British Airways secures £2bn loan

"British Airways expects to drawdown the facility in January 2021 subject to agreement of final terms with the lenders and UKEF."

Published 31 Dec, 2020 08:51pm

Stocks

Wall Street set to end pandemic year on strong note

S&P 500 set for over 15% gain on stimulus, vaccine support.
Weekly jobless claims fall for second straight week.
Indexes: Dow up 0.03%, S&P up 0.10%, Nasdaq down 0.04%.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 08:50pm

USA

Local funding crisis threatens US vaccine rollout

King County, which represents greater Seattle, has $14 million of COVID-19 funding for 2021.
We've been on pins and needles the whole last three or four months, watching what's happening at the federal level, waiting, watching.

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 08:50pm

USA

Dollar's growing dominance in Venezuela leaves locals 'short-changed'

A flustered Garcia disappears into a closet, re-emerges, takes the $10 note and scribbles, "owes $1.87" on the back of an old crumpled receipt.
With each client it is different and you have to decide in the moment with the customer how to resolve the situation.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 08:23pm

Money & Banking

Hungary central bank provides EUR 760mn worth of funds at EUR/HUF swap tender

The National Bank of Hungary (NBH) has said it would hold foreign currency swap tenders at the end of each quarter if needed to reduce market volatility.
By providing euros via fx swaps, the NBH can ease selling pressure on the forint on the spot market.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 08:21pm

Commodities

Gold set for strongest year since 2010

European shares retreat, set to end year with losses.
Silver up 48% this year, also on track for best year since 2010.
Palladium up for fifth straight year, gains 22% in 2020.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 08:18pm

Forex

South Africa's rand, stocks fall, but end 2020 stronger

Rand to end slightly weaker than its Jan level.
Rallied 16% in Q4, after weakening 25% in first half.
Stock market ends year higher.
All-share index ends 2020 up 3.6%, top 40 index up 7%.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 08:15pm

Commodities

Asia Gold-Demand slows in top hubs as holiday mood dulls activity

India switches to premium of $2.5/oz vs last week's $2 discount.
China discounts unchanged at $15-$20/oz.
Dealers concerned about new coronavirus variant.
Spot gold prices set for 1% gain this week.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 08:14pm

Europe

UK and Ghana to miss Brexit trade deadline, but deal close

The deal, once active, will replicate the terms of trade Britain previously benefitted from as a member of the European Union.
Ahead of that deadline Britain has signed "continuity" agreements with 63 countries to safeguard terms on 885 billion pounds ($1.21 trillion) of trade

Published 31 Dec, 2020 08:11pm

Pakistan

US, UK, China top three destinations of Pakistani exports in 5 months

Total exports to the USA during July-November (2020-21) were recorded at $ 1855.564 million, showing growth of 6.36 percent.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 08:11pm

Commodities

Vietnam rates hit 9-year peak on supply crunch; Thai rates dip

Bangladesh to slash rice import duty to 25% from 62.5%.
Thai rice rates slip off 6-month high.
Vietnam's 2020 rice exports forecast to have fallen 3.5%.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 08:08pm

Pakistan

PM approves online agri dashboard to monitor food prices, availability

The Prime Minister directed need for urgent measures to control inflation of items such as flour, sugar and pulses.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 08:09pm

Pakistan

Plastic import increases 13.65pc in 5 months

Plastic imports also witnessed an increase of 37.50 as the country imported 828,688 metric tons of plastic during the period under review.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 08:05pm

Companies

Ukraine seeks 16mn COVID vaccine doses under COVAX scheme

"Eight million doses we are guaranteed to receive through the global COVAX mechanism. We are also working to increase supply through COVAX to 16 million doses.
The health ministry said the volume was around 1.9 million doses.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 08:05pm

Europe

Hungary says will not use Russian vaccine due to lack of capacity

Hungary has participated in Russia's testing efforts and was an early recipient of small batches of Russia's Sputnik-V vaccine.
Hungarian premier Viktor Orban has come under criticism during his decade-long rule for building ties with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 08:00pm

Pakistan

PSX gains 60 points to close at 43,755 points

As many as 417 companies transacted shares in the stock market, 207 of them recorded gain and 193 sustained losses.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 08:00pm

Energy

Oil set for 20pc drop in 2020 as lockdowns weigh, market eyes stimulus

Oil eases on last trading day, stimulus in focus.
Brent, WTI more than doubled from decade-lows in April.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 07:58pm

Pakistan

2021 to begin new era of progress, prosperity in country: LCCI

The office-bearers said that the large manufacturing industries grew by 4.81 percent in the first quarter of the current year.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 07:59pm

Sports

Murray pulls out of Delray Beach Open citing COVID-19 concerns

Murray, who missed most of the 2020 season due to complications with his hip and struggled for form on his return after the COVID-19 hiatus.
"After much deliberation with my team I've decided not to travel to play in Delray Beach," Murray, 33, said on Thursday.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 07:55pm

Pakistan

Shehryar Afridi urges media to expose Indian proxies targeting Pakistan

Afridi said that the EU Disinfo Lab report has uncovered a massive operation targeting international institutions and serving Indian interests.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 07:55pm

Stocks

European stocks end 2020 down as tighter UK lockdowns weigh

STOXX 600 ends the year 3.7% lower.
Volumes thin in a shortened session.
Spain, UK lag with double-digit falls in 2020.
Energy stocks worst 2020 performers, tech outperforms.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 07:53pm

Pakistan

Rupee appreciates 45 paisas against US dollar

Buying and selling rates of dollar were recorded at Rs159.9 and Rs160.5 respectively.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 07:53pm

South Asia

China reports first case of new coronavirus variant

Countries around the world have cut off travel links to Britain to stop the spread of the new variant.
The case "poses a great potential threat to the prevention and control of COVID-19 in China", the publication said.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 07:51pm

Pakistan

PD aligns strategy to streamline oil, gas sector in year-2020

Senior official privy to the petroleum sector developments said PD started importing Euro-5 standard petrol and diesel for the first time in the country’s history.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 07:49pm

Commodities

EU wheat posts 13pc rise in 2020 to close near two-year highs

Front-month March milling wheat on Paris-based Euronext closed 0.2% higher at 213.50 euros a tonne.
That compared to a rise of 14% on the Chicago Board of Trade's front-month wheat contract.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 07:45pm

Pakistan

717 parliamentarians submit assets’ statements so far: ECP

As many as 469 parliamentarians couldn’t submit their assets details out of total 1195 parliamentarians while nine seats are still vacant.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 07:46pm

Commodities

Soybeans up 10-16 cents, corn up 2-6, wheat down 1-3

Precipitation across the US Plains seen improving winter wheat crop prospects after early-season dryness.
Corn up for the 14th straight session at a 6-1/2 year high on strong demand and tighter global supplies.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 07:43pm

Pakistan

PR to renovate railway stations to facilitate passengers

Pakistan Railways was also planning to reconstruct 11 bridges and repair another 55 across the country.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 07:43pm

Pakistan

Govt to resolve all issues of Frontier Constabulary: Interior Minister

He said that the government would release substantial funds of the Frontier Constabulary to equip it with modern weapons and other equipments.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 07:42pm

Europe

Chile jobless rate eases to 10.8pc for Sept-Nov

Unemployment has been falling for four consecutive months after hitting a decade-long high of 13.1% in July.
The unemployment rate nonetheless remains 3.8 percentage points higher through November compared with the same period of the previous year.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 07:39pm

Pakistan

Asad for completing early feasibility study on bulk water supply to twin cities

He directed the Planning Secretary to seek clarification on issues related to availability of water from Tarbela to ICT.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 07:40pm

Europe

Britain steadfast in support for Gibraltar sovereignty

Earlier on Thursday, Spain and Britain reached a preliminary agreement to keep the Gibraltar land border open.
"We remain steadfast in our support for Gibraltar and its sovereignty," Raab said.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 07:36pm

Pakistan

Karak temple attack mastermind and 31 accomplices arrested: Ashrafi

The regrettable Karak temple attack would be thoroughly probed as this instance has maligned Pakistan in the world.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 07:38pm

Pakistan

COVID-19 claims 6 lives with 36 new cases in last 24 hours

The result of 62502 suspects were tested negative while reports of 954 still awaited.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 07:36pm

USA

US weekly jobless claims fall for second straight week

Initial claims for state unemployment benefits slid to a seasonally adjusted 787,000 for the week ended Dec. 26.
Though initial jobless claims have dropped from a record 6.867 million in March

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 07:36pm

Pakistan

KP Tourism Department initiates projects worth Rs.17bn

The department has approved an amount of Rs 2 billion for formulation of tourism police force to facilitate tourists.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 07:34pm

Pakistan

Enforcement of PFM Act 2019 will address ministries' issues: Shafqat

This act will strengthen the financial powers of the Principal Accounting Officer of the ministry/division.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 07:33pm

Pakistan

CM orders foolproof arrangements for smooth traffic flow in Murree

The CM directed that the officials should go into the field to personally monitor the arrangements made for smooth flow of traffic.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 07:31pm

Sports

New Zealand's Williamson overtakes Smith, Kohli as top Test batsman

Williamson said those two players are the best so for me to sneak up perhaps in some way, is very surprising and humbling.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 07:11pm

South Asia

China's first vaccine hustled to market as race to inoculate 1.3bn speeds up

Beijing plans to vaccinate millions this winter in the run-up to Lunar New Year.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 07:06pm

South Asia

China confirms first case of UK coronavirus variant

China suspended direct flights to and from Britain indefinitely on December 24 because of the new strain.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 07:04pm

Africa

Peacekeeping mission in Sudan's Darfur ends, stoking fears

Conflict erupted in Darfur in 2003, when African minority rebels rose up against Bashir's Arab-dominated government, which they accused of marginalising the region.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 07:01pm

Europe

Ten still missing after Norway mudslide buries homes

Police said one of the 10 people hurt had been seriously injured and was transferred to Oslo for treatment.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 06:58pm

Commodities

Gold set to wrap up shiniest year since 2010

European shares retreat, set to end year with losses.
Silver up 48% this year, also on track for best year since 2010.
Palladium up for fifth straight year, gains 22% in 2020.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 06:53pm

Money & Banking

Russian central bank will not hold regular FX sales on Jan 1-10

"We have non-working days until Jan. 11," said a source at the federal treasury.
The Moscow Exchange where the central bank sells FX will be open on Jan. 4-6 and Jan. 8 before returning to a regular schedule from Jan. 11.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 06:51pm

Stocks

Indian shares weather tough 2020 with solid gains

The benchmark NSE Nifty 50 index rose 14.9% to clock its best year since 2017, while the S&P BSE Sensex gained 15.75%.
The Nifty was flat at 13,981.75 after rising briefly to life-time high of 14,024.85 and the Sensex closed 0.01% higher at 47,751.33.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 06:48pm

Energy

Oil outlook for 2021 hit by new COVID-19 strain

Pace of oil demand recovery to depend on vaccine rollouts –analysts.
Some analysts say no return to pre-pandemic levels before 2023.
OPEC to meet on Jan. 4 to decide on output.
Brent has averaged $43.21/bbl in 2020, WTI about $39.34.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 06:45pm

Middle East

Yemen govt vows to bring stability after deadly attack

At least 26 people were killed and scores wounded in the explosions as ministers disembarked from an aircraft in the southern city.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 06:47pm

Forex

Dollar in the dumps as 2020 ends, another bumper bond year

The prospect of a brighter 2021 has lessened the lure of the safe-haven dollar.
This week's data also showed the US trade account haemorrhaging dollars as the goods deficit hit a record $84.8 billion in November.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 06:42pm

USA

US police shoot man dead during traffic stop, protesters gather

Floyd died on May 25 when now-fired officer Derek Chauvin held his knee to Floyd's neck for more than eight minutes in an incident that sparked nationwide unrest.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 06:42pm

Stocks

Nigerian stock index climbs 50pc in 2020 to highest level in 17 years

The all share index fell 14.6% last year after sluggish growth cast a shadow on the economy.
Stocks rose 1.92% to 40,270.72 points.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 06:39pm

South Asia

Tokyo tops 1,300 daily virus cases; warns of possible new emergency

He spoke after the Japanese capital reported 1,337 new cases, a record that far exceeds the previous high of 949 cases last Saturday.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 06:39pm

Commodities

Raw sugar prices touch five-week high, arabica also gains

March New York cocoa was up $11, or 0.4%, at $2,608 a tonne.
March arabica coffee rose 2.85 cents, or 2.3%, to $1.2825 per lb.
March raw sugar was up 0.03 cents, or 0.2%, at 15.31 cents per lb.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 06:34pm

Middle East

Israel says it hit 50 Syria targets in 2020

SANA said one Syrian soldier was killed and three others wounded.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 06:35pm

Europe

Turkish economy still cool since 2018 halted Erdogan's strong growth streak

The sharp trade imbalance, including a jump of $5 billion in November alone, approached the $55 billion deficit logged in 2018.
Economists expect the $760-billion economy to narrowly avoid a contraction in 2020.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 06:31pm

Middle East

Syria war killed 6,800 in 2020, lowest annual toll

The overall tally since the start of the conflict has crept up to 387,000, including 117,000 civilians.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 06:32pm

USA

US vaccinations in 2020 falling far short of target of 20mn people

About 14 million doses of Pfizer's and Moderna's vaccines have been distributed to states so far.
The government has said that for every dose shipped, it is keeping a second dose in reserve as well as a safety stock.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 06:28pm

Europe

EU 'regrets' new US tariffs in Airbus-Boeing spat

The EU was authorised this year by the WTO to levy additional customs duties on American products.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 06:30pm

Europe

Coronavirus toll at 1100 GMT Thursday

More than 82,676,050 cases of coronavirus have been registered. Of these, at least 51,918,900 are now considered recovered.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 06:28pm

Commodities

Top LME performer copper dips on hazy new year outlook

LME copper set to end year with a 25% gain.
Copper vulnerable to correction after speculative buying.
Aluminium the top performer on Shanghai exchange.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 06:26pm

Europe

Boris Johnson's father seeks French citizenship

His plans to seek a French passport had already been revealed by his daughter Rachel in a book published in March.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 06:26pm

Stocks

Sri Lankan shares end 2020 near five-year high, post best year since 2014

The CSE All Share Index ended up 0.39% at 6,774.22 on Thursday.
Trading volume on the index rose to 187.07 million from 146.28 million on Wednesday.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 06:23pm

Europe

Post-Brexit students mourn 'door-opening' EU exchange scheme

Boris Johnson announced last week that he was taking his country out of the Erasmus programme, severing yet another link with the Continent.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 06:23pm

Commodities

Chile says manufacturing, copper output down in November

The country's copper output fell 2.1% to 493,538 tonnes in November.
Manufacturing output was hit hardest by a sharp drop in the production of chemicals in November.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 06:11pm

Stocks

Sterling shines as no-deal Brexit averted after tumultuous 2020

FTSE 100 index slid 1.0 percent in holiday-shortened late morning deals as the strong pound weighed on multinationals earning in dollars.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 06:17pm

Europe

Talks down to the wire for Spain-Gibraltar border deal

The British government had on Wednesday confirmed talks were ongoing to head off problems at the border.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 06:11pm

Europe

EU bets on Biden to resolve aircraft subsidy row

New US tariffs set for Jan. 12.
US expands list over EU retaliation it sees as excessive.
Airbus says it trusts Europe will respond "appropriately".
French wine exporters call new tariffs a sledgehammer.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 06:00pm

Europe

Rome slams Egypt decision to clear police in Italian's murder

It said it would "continue to work at all levels, including through the European Union, for the truth about Giulio Regeni's brutal murder to finally emerge".

Published 31 Dec, 2020 06:08pm

Pakistan

PM rejects increase in prices of petroleum products

OGRA had recommended a hike in fuel prices of upto Rs10 from January 1, 2021
On December 15, an increase of Rs3 per litre on petrol was announced, which was sold at Rs103.69 per litre

Published 31 Dec, 2020 05:53pm

Asia

Tehran doesn’t seek war but will respond to any aggression, Iran FM says on US B-52 flights in Gulf

“Iran doesn't seek war but will openly and directly defend its people, security and vital interests,” says FM.
A pair of B-52 took off from a base in Louisiana and flew in the western portion of the Persian Gulf near Bahrain and Qatar.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 06:00pm

Stocks

Stocks stall near record highs after tumultuous year

European shares buck bullish mood in Asia.
World stocks head for near 14% gain in 2020.
Dollar slips, heads for 7% fall this year.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 05:58pm

Pakistan

Sindh forms district committees to administer COVID-19 vaccinations

The committees have been formed on the directions of the National Vaccine Task Force.
They will be responsible to ensure the availability of the vaccines in their respective districts of the province.

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 05:59pm

Industry

Pakistan's Total Liquid Foreign Reserves Reach US$ 20.25bn: SBP

Pakistan's total liquid foreign reserves stand at US$ 20.25 billion as of December 24, 2020, as reported by the State Bank of Pakistan.

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 05:59pm

Middle East

Iranian Mission in Pakistan to arrange events to mark Gen. Soleimani's death anniversary

On 3rd January, the first anniversary of Gen. Qasem Soleimani's assassination, special programs will be held by the cultural missions of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Pakistan.
Political and religious groups in Pakistan are also reported to be participating in the programs.
Programs will be held across all major cities, including Rawalpindi, Lahore, Islamabad and Peshawar.

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 05:43pm

Technology

S. Korea aims to launch 5G across the country as network speeds up in H2

Among the top three networks, SK Telecom had the fastest average download speed at 795.57 Mbps, followed by KT at 667.48 Mbps and LG Uplus at 608.49 Mbps.
South Korea currently offers the non-standalone version of 5G, requiring support from 4G LTE.

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 05:40pm

Companies

Sigma Motors Launches Pakistan's First Solar, Electric and Fuel Car.

Sigma Motors Launches its hybrid car HS Q4 in Pakistan with three different solar, electric and fuel variants.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 05:10pm

Business & Finance

Govt extends Fixed Tax Regime for Construction Sector, announces PM

Similarly, construction projects have been started in other provinces including, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Karachi, and Balochistan, he said.
We believe that economic activity of Rs 1,500 bn will be generated in the province of Punjab due to these projects resulting in the creation of 250,000 jobs,” said PM Khan.

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 05:03pm

Technology

Amazon buys Wondery to Expand into the Podcast Industry

Amazon acquires one of the last major independent podcast network, Wondery, yesterday.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 05:03pm

Pakistan

Private schools urge govt to reopen institutes from Jan 11

They said at least 80% of the schools across the country doesn’t have access to internet.
They also demanded an economic relief package from the government stating, “They should suspend registration fee and taxes for at least a year.”

Published 31 Dec, 2020 04:51pm

World

'Made in Israel' alcohol hits Dubai's liquor stores as thousands of Israelis flock to Emirate

Scores undeterred by Israel’s warnings about possible Iranian attacks in the region have celebrated weddings, and eight-day Jewish festival of Hanukkah with large gatherings banned back home
Data collected from travel agents revealed that at least 70,000 Israeli tourists arrived in Dubai on 15 nonstop daily flights in December

Published 31 Dec, 2020 04:44pm

World

World begins ushering in locked-down New Year

Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday used her New Year greeting to warn Germans the "historic" coronavirus crisis will extend into 2021 even if vaccines bring some hope.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 04:14pm

China

President Trump briefed on Chinese attempts to fund insurgents in Afghanistan

Earlier this month, President Donald Trump received unconfirmed information that China sought to pay non-state actors to attack American forces in Afghanistan.
In a press briefing on Thursday, Wang Wenbin, Spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, described the accusation as slanderous, stating that it was "completely nonsense and completely fake news".

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 04:13pm

Pakistan

14 people arrested in Pakistan over destruction of Hindu temple in KP's Karak

According to local police, 14 people have been detained in overnight raids, and that more raids were underway.
The temple's desecration on Wednesday, in the Northwestern town on Karak, drew condemnation from advocacy groups, human rights activists and the country's minority Hindu community.

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 04:07pm

Pakistan

Pakistan Navy is playing a pivotal role in security of Gwadar Port, CPEC: Naval Chief

Pakistan Navy is fully aware of changing geopolitical situation of the region and it is committed to defend the country’s maritime frontiers, he said.
The Naval Chief expressed satisfaction over the operational preparedness of Pakistan Navy fleet.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 03:58pm

Europe

British PM Johnson's father applying for French citizenship

The father of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Thursday he was in the process of applying for a French passport to maintain his ties with the European Union after Brexit.
Stanley Johnson, a former member of the European Parliament who voted Remain in Britain’s 2016 referendum, told RTL radio he wanted to become a French citizen because of strong family links to France.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 03:54pm

Stocks

European stocks open lower on New Year's Eve

London is set for an annual loss of about 14 percent despite clinching a long-awaited Brexit trade deal last week, while Paris faces a drop of about 6.8 percent.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 03:34pm

World

Brexit to take full effect as UK leaves EU single market

British fishermen are disgruntled at a compromise to allow continued access for EU boats in British waters.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 03:31pm

Business & Finance

Pakistan invites Japan to invest in different sectors

Qureshi said Pakistan could prove as an attractive destination for Japanese investors and businessmen owing to immense potential in various fields.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 03:28pm

USA

Fauci sees U.S. gaining control over pandemic by next autumn

Dr. Anthony Fauci, said on Wednesday he foresees America achieving enough collective COVID-19 immunity through vaccinations to regain “some semblance of normality” by autumn 2021.
Fauci said he was “not surprised,” adding that additional cases of the variant would likely surface around the country and that the mutating nature of such viruses is normal.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 03:17pm

Pakistan

65% of Pakistanis are happy despite hardships of coronavirus pandemic: Survey

25 % of Pakistanis said they are unhappy.
- 54% of the world’s population described themselves as happy with only 14% saying they are unhappy.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 03:10pm

Pakistan

Sindh Health Secretary gets COVID-19 vaccine shot in clinical trials

“I have presented myself for the vaccine trial as secretary health,” says Dr Kazim Jatoi.
Several prominent public figures including Punjab Governor Chaudhry Sarwar and his wife have volunteered to be vaccinated in clinical trials of a Chinese vaccine being conducted in the country.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 03:04pm

World

US B-52 bombers fly to Middle East ahead of Iran’s Qasem Soleimani's death anniversary

A pair of B-52 took off from a base in Louisiana and flew in the western portion of the Persian Gulf near Bahrain and Qatar.
The mission took place a week after the Trump administration decided to withdraw some staff from its embassy in Iraq, where tension with Iranian-backed forces has persisted for months.

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 02:25pm

Pakistan

Daniel Pearl murder case: SHC issues notices to authorities on contempt petition

A contempt of court petition was filed against the provincial chief secretary, jail officials and others over the government’s failure in compliance of the SHC orders
The court had directed the authorities to release the prime suspect in Daniel Pearl's murder case Omar Saeed Sheikh and others

Published 31 Dec, 2020 01:48pm

Life & Style

David Guetta wants you to get the vaccine for a better 2021

Guetta said he hoped for an end to the pandemic in 2021 and one big, mad party.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 01:47pm

Business & Finance

Pakistan, China sign $100mn grant agreement to repair National Highway-5

Under the project, 66 kilometers in four parts will be repaired including Hala and Moro.

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 01:19pm

Pakistan

Vandalism at Hindu temple: CJP Gulzar takes notice, directs authorities to submit report on Jan 4

Pakistan Hindu Council Patron in Chief Dr Ramesh Kumar called on the chief justice at the Supreme Court’s Karachi Registry and raised the issue of burning of temple
Justice Gulzar issued directions to the commission on minorities rights, K-P chief secretary and IGP to visit the site of the shrine and submit report on the matter

Published 31 Dec, 2020 12:54pm

Pakistan

A level students can get their provisional equivalence certificates from IBCC by Jan 19: Shafqat Mahmood

Applications can be made through TCS or personally to IBCC offices.
The walk-in service for students and their parents was closed on November 11 because of the coronavirus.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 12:34pm

Pakistan

Year 2020: Pakistan successfully raised grave human rights violations in IIOJK at UN sessions: Akram

Akram says Security Council discussed the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir twice in the year and India’s state terrorism was continually exposed
Permanent representative says Pakistan is working to counter disinformation networks by alerting the world to the real and present danger emanating from false Indian propaganda

Published 31 Dec, 2020 12:26pm

China

China completes maiden flight for passenger jet, challenging global aviation giants

Using the Chinese-made ARJ-21, the nation's main aircraft maker seeks to bolster the utilisation of domestically produced planes, in an effort to compete with international aviation behemoths such as Airbus and Boeing.
China seeks to leverage the nation's massive aviation network and growing domestic market to gain a larger chunk of the global aviation services industry.

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 12:23pm

Pakistan

Assets beyond means: Khawaja Asif remanded into NAB custody till January 13

The NAB prosecutor told the court that Asif owns total assets worth Rs810 million and there is a difference of Rs230 million between the assets he owns and his sources of income
The PML-N leader was arrested from Ahsan Iqbal's house in Islamabad

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 12:05pm

Financial

South Korea December inflation inches down, 2020 rate at 0.5%

The average consumer inflation rate for the whole year inched up to 0.5% from a record low.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 12:00pm

Energy

Brazil's Petrobras to let Cosan unit bid again for Gaspetro

Cosan said in November that a bid from its Compass Gas e Energia unit for the 51% stake in Gaspetro held by Petroleo Brasileiro SA.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 11:57am

Pakistan

Mazari condemns burning of Hindu temple, says KP govt must ensure culprits brought to justice

"We as a government have a responsibility to ensure safety and security of all our citizens and their places of worship," Mazari tweeted.
MOHR also moving on this, the minister further said.

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 11:59am

USA

Pfizer and Brazil regulator in talks to speed up emergency vaccine approval

The company said it continues to regularly submit trial data to Anvisa as part of the process of seeking full authorization for the vaccine.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 11:54am

World

Brazil reports 55,649 new coronavirus cases, 1,194 additional deaths

Brazil has registered more than 7.6 million cases of the virus since the pandemic began.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 11:52am

Money & Banking

ECB will raise interest rates if needed, but shift can take some time: Weidmann

"In their own interest, governments should prepare for a rise in interest rates and not pretend that their debt burden can be serviced easily," said Weidmann.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 11:50am

Companies

GIL not launching Chery Tiggo 8 in Pakistan

GIL further said that the media reports including news item are “baseless and have no legal standing.”

Published 31 Dec, 2020 11:38am

Business & Finance

Chinese cos keen in Pakistan’s IT sector, says Bajwa

Federal Minister for IT Syed Amin Ul Haque said that Ministry of IT and Telecommunication will fully cooperate with CPEC Authority on all relevant CPEC projects.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 11:19am

World

McConnell thwarts Trump bid for $2,000 coronavirus economic relief checks

The tensions among Republicans have been exacerbated by a second showdown over an effort in Congress to override Trump's veto of a defense policy bill.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 11:15am

Financial

Singapore GDP to extend decline in Q4, but less sharply

The government has spent about S$100 billion ($75.64 billion) or 20% of its GDP, in virus-related relief to support households and businesses.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 11:13am

World

US warships transit Taiwan Strait, China denounces 'provocation'

China's military said it had tailed the last US warship to pass through the Taiwan Strait on Dec. 19, and denounced the mission.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 11:10am

Financial

Mexican finance minister picks holes in central bank cash bill

Deputy Finance Minister Gabriel Yorio said this month Pemex's tax burden could be cut further.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 11:06am

World

Mexico says approval of AstraZeneca vaccine 'imminent' after UK go-ahead

Later, Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said on Twitter that Mexican authorization of the vaccine was "imminent."

Published 31 Dec, 2020 11:01am

Companies

China's factory recovery moderates as higher costs slow business

China has also seen strong improvement in retail sales driven by firm demand for autos and communication equipment.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 10:57am

Pakistan

Pakistan to purchase 1.2mn COVID-19 vaccine doses from China's Sinopharm

China approved a COVID-19 vaccine developed by an affiliate of state-backed pharmaceutical giant Sinopharm on Thursday, its first approved shot for general public use.

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 11:00am

Forex

Australia, NZ dollars storm ahead as markets bet on brighter 2021

The ore brought in a record A$139 billion in the 12 months to November.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 10:55am

Sports

Liverpool's Matip out for up to three weeks with adductor strain

"Everybody's lives are upside down, it's tough mentally for everybody and it's the same in football."

Published 31 Dec, 2020 10:43am

Commodities

Corn hits 6-1/2-year high as Argentina limits exports

US soybean futures rose for a third straight session, hitting a six-and-a-half-year high.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 10:41am

Sports

Australia prepared to risk Warner in Sydney even if not fully fit

"It will just be a matter now of what training and how quickly he can ramp up to make himself available for selection," he said.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 10:36am

Pakistan

Pakistan Army shot down 16 Indian quadcopters in 2020: ISPR

On Wednesday, Pakistan Army troops shot down an Indian Army quadcopter in Hotspring Sector across LoC where it had come '100 meters inside own territory'.
Due to unprovoked firing by the Indian troops in Khuiratta sector along LoC, a valiant soldier Sepoy Fazal Elahi, 35, was also martyred.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 10:22am

Financial

BOK chief says will maintain easy policy until stable recovery seen in 2021

In future, the bank also should consider employment as an important factor when assessing monetary policy, Lee added.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 10:33am

Energy

Oil set for 20% drop in 2020 as lockdowns weigh, market eyes more stimulus

In the short-term, concerns over coronavirus lockdowns are likely to cap gains.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 10:30am

Energy

China's Dec LNG imports hit monthly record of over 9mn T

This in turn is leading to spot LNG prices rising to multi-year highs.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 10:27am

Commodities

Palm tracks rival oils higher, stronger ringgit caps gains

The contract was primarily propped up by more expensive oils elsewhere. Dalian's most-active soyoil contract rose 1.2%, while its palm oil contract jumped 1%.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 10:25am

Commodities

Copper set to be LME's best base metal performer in 2020

However, US Senate leader Mitch McConnell's rejection to schedule a swift vote on whether to raise the country's coronavirus relief checks to $2,000 from $600 dampened sentiment.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 10:24am

Pakistan

Pakistan LNG seeks two cargoes for April delivery

The tender closes on Jan. 29 and remains valid until Feb. 12.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 10:20am

World

Worldwide coronavirus cases cross 82.19 million, death toll at 1,796,307

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

Published 31 Dec, 2020 10:18am

Stocks

Indian shares flat as IT weighs; Nifty set for 15% gain in 2020

The Nifty IT which has rallied more than 55% this year, was down 0.53% in early trade.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 10:16am

Stocks

Australia shares close year of historic highs and lows little changed

Gold stocks climbed 0.5%, tracking an uptick in spot bullion prices, while energy stocks slumped 1% as oil prices dipped.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 10:12am

Pakistan

65 Kashmiris were extra-judicially killed this year in IIOJK: Report

The report further revealed that 2,773 people were detained and arrested by Indian forces and put in different jails.
Indian forces launched 312 cordon and search operations which resulted in 124 clashes between the security forces and the separatists.

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 10:13am

Europe

Germany's confirmed coronavirus cases rise by 32,552: RKI

The reported death toll rose by 964 to 33,071, the tally showed.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 10:10am

Financial

China state banks seen buying dollar to ease sharp yuan rally, traders say

The state bank action quickly dragged the yuan to the weaker side of 6.52 per dollar, four traders told Reuters.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 10:08am

Stocks

China stocks climb; set for yearly gains on economic recovery, policy support

In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng index added 0.3%, to 27,231.13 points, while the Hong Kong China Enterprises Index gained 0.7%, to 10,738.40 points.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 10:06am

Forex

Dollar on borrowed time as US twin deficits balloon

In contrast, the European Union runs a huge current account surplus, largely thanks to Germany, so there is a natural inflow to euros through trade.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 10:02am

World

China gives its first COVID-19 vaccine approval to Sinopharm

The price of the vaccine would depend on the scale of use, but the "premise" was that it would be free for the public in China, he said.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 09:59am

Commodities

China iron ore futures set to end 2020 with over 50% gain

Steel futures on the Shanghai Futures Exchange also gained in 2020.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 09:52am

Commodities

Gold set for best year in a decade with 24% rise

Spot gold fell 0.2% to $1,889.58 per ounce by 0353 GMT. but was up more than 24% for the year.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 09:46am

Business & Finance

US imposes new tariffs on French, German products in Airbus-Boeing spat

As a result the US "is forced to change its reference period to the same period used by the European Union," it continued.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 09:44am

Sports

Reyna leads charge of Bundesliga's rising teen stars

"We're very happy about Musiala's development, he's very calm on the ball and the football world can look forward to what will come of this young talent," Flick said recently.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 09:41am

Stocks

Hong Kong stocks up at open

The Hang Seng Index edged up 0.18 percent, or 47.68 points, to 27,194.79.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 09:39am

Africa

Algeria to roll out Russian Covid vaccine in January

It has raised concerns from scientists at home and abroad who said the decision was premature without wider clinical trials and the publication of scientific results.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 09:37am

Commodities

US bans palm oil imports from second Malaysian firm

Earlier this year, anti-trafficking group Liberty Shared had petitioned the CBP to ban imports from Sime Darby over concerns about labour abuse.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 09:33am

World

Iran honours 'martyr' Soleimani, killed a year ago by US

The late general's appeal transcended political, religious and class divisions, said academic Mehdi Zakerian, who noted that "in his speeches, Soleimani always spoke to all Iranians and not just to one social class".

Published 31 Dec, 2020 09:29am

World

US hits record daily Covid-19 deaths as world looks to vaccines in 2021

California became the second US state to detect the variant -- after Colorado -- with a 30-year-old San Diego man testing positive.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 09:25am

World

Chief characters in Britain's Brexit saga

It was a surge in support for UKIP in the first half of the last decade that helped push then-prime minister David Cameron into calling the 2016 vote.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 09:20am

Stocks

Sterling extends gains, markets mixed as traders see out 2020

Sterling, in response to the upbeat news, rallied Wednesday and built on the gains in Asian trade, sitting at levels not seen since May 2018.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 09:16am

World

Does Brexit free Europe to seek closer union?

The EU is thus losing a powerful member, but will France find it easier to build the case for a more independent EU global strategy?

Published 31 Dec, 2020 09:07am

World

What's in the UK, EU post-Brexit trade pact

Brussels says "security cooperation can be suspended in case of violations by the UK of its commitment for continued adherence to the European Convention of Human Rights".

Published 31 Dec, 2020 08:57am

World

Brexit fog blurs horizon for anxious Breton fishermen

Also concerned about the annual renegotiation, she said: "We will be in doubt every year. Every single year we will have to wait for the agreements."

Published 31 Dec, 2020 08:54am

World

Post-Brexit borders to divide EU, UK citizens

Britons, for example, have long favoured Spain, France, Germany and Italy to set down new roots as workers or retirees.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 08:47am

Sports

Balotelli finds target on Monza debut

He has had a turbulent career since bursting on the scene as a talented teenager at Inter Milan in 2007, going on to play in the team that won the treble under Jose Mourinho in 2010.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 08:42am

BR Research

ZIL Limited

ZIL Limited (PSX: ZIL) was established in 1954 in Karachi, with a factory in Hyderabad. It bought Zulfeqar ...

Published 31 Dec, 2020 07:45am

BR Research

Milk and wheat: correlation breakdown?

In the throes of global commodity crisis of 2008, Pakistan saw national average wheat prices rise by 70 percent over...

Published 31 Dec, 2020 07:40am

BR Research

Crude oil: what’s in store for 2021?

If one word could sum up 2020 for crude oil, it would be ‘volatile’. Key highlight of 2020 for crude oil was the...

Published 31 Dec, 2020 07:35am

BR Research

All quiet on the external front?

While the pandemic has caused some countries to look inwards, in reality the need for the world to cooperate, to...

Published 31 Dec, 2020 07:30am

BR Research

Debating taxes

Did you know that Pakistan has not ever been able to frame any income tax act after due debates in the assembly, not...

Published 31 Dec, 2020 07:25am

Managed Funds

U.S. Treasury yields 2020 drop makes way for slow grind back in 2021

Prices for gold, which often struggles to compete with yield-bearing investments, are up about 24% year-to-date, its best year in a decade.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 03:55am

Stocks

Wall St closes higher, dollar drops as remarkable year winds down

Emerging market stocks rose 1.73pc. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan closed 1.85pc higher, while Japan's Nikkei lost 0.45pc.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 03:52am

Stocks

Australia shares to open lower on New Year's eve restrictions in Sydney, NZ inches up

The local share price index futures fell 0.4pc, a 91.4-point discount to the underlying S&P/ASX 200 index close.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 03:48am

World

Worldwide coronavirus cases cross 82.14 million, death toll at 1,794,668

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

Published 31 Dec, 2020 03:45am

World

Case of highly infectious UK variant of coronavirus identified in California

The new variant has also been detected in several European countries, as well as in Canada, Australia, India, South Korea and Japan, among others.

Published 31 Dec, 2020 03:40am

Asif says PM behind his arrest

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) senior leader Khawaja Asif on Wedne-sday said that Prime Miniser...

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 03:40am

‘Anti-army’ remarks: PM’s videos to be presented in court: Maryam

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President, Maryam Nawaz, Wednesday announced that the party...

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 03:39am

Leaders sign Brexit deal as UK MPs approve ratification

LONDON: Britain and the EU signed a post-Brexit trade deal on Wednesday, setting their seal on a drawn-out divorce...

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 03:39am

Rs1.06 per unit increase in tariffs of Discos calculated

ISLAMABAD: National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) on Wednesday calculated Rs 1.06 per unit increase in...

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 03:39am

Essential items: Action against hoarders ordered

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan Wedn-esday directed the relevant departments to take action against hoarders of...

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 03:39am

Development of port area: Amendments to master plan approved by govt

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has approved amendments to the master plan for development of port area,...

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 03:39am

Power sector: PM for achieving sustainability in reforms

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday directed the Ministry of Energy to provide relief to domestic...

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 03:39am

Bank holiday

KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) will remain closed for public dealing on Friday, January 1, 2021, which...

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 03:32am

Pakistan

CPEC projects: ‘Oil and Gas Plan’ to be presented for approval at JCC meeting in Jan

ISLAMABAD: The government has prepared an ‘Oil and Gas Plan’ for development projects under China-Pakistan...

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 03:17am

Rates.KIBOR

Kibor interbank offered rates

KARACHI: Kibor interbank offered rates on Wednesday (December 30, 2020). ========================== ...

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 03:07am

Rates.EFU

EFU Managed Growth Fund Rates

KARACHI: EFU Managed Growth Fund Rates on Wednesday (December 30, 2020). ======================== Offer Price...

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 03:06am

Rates.EFU

EFU Pension Growth Fund Rates

KARACHI: EFU Pension Growth Fund Rates on Wednesday (December 30, 2020). ======================== Offer Price...

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 03:06am

Rates.EFU

EFU Capital Growth Fund Rates

KARACHI: EFU Capital Growth Fund Rates on Wednesday (December 30, 2020). ======================== Offer Price...

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 03:06am

Rates.EFU

EFU Aitemad Growth Fund Rates

KARACHI: EFU Aitemad Growth Fund Rates on Wednesday (December 30, 2020). ======================== Offer Price...

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 03:06am

Rates.EFU

EFU GUARANTEED GROWTH FUND RATES

KARACHI: EFU Guaranteed Growth Fund Rates on Wednesday (December 30, 2020). ======================== Offer Price...

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 03:06am

Rates.EFU

EFU AGGRESSIVE FUND RATES

KARACHI: EFU Aggressive Fund Rates on Wednesday (December 30, 2020). ======================== Offer Price...

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 03:06am

Rates.EFU

EFU TAKAFUL GROWTH FUND RATES

KARACHI: EFU Takaful Growth Fund Rates on Wednesday (December 30, 2020). ======================== Offer Price...

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 03:06am

Rates.EFU

EFU TAKAFUL AGGRESSIVE FUND RATES

KARACHI: EFU Takaful Aggressive Fund Rates on Wednesday (December 30, 2020). ======================== Offer Price...

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 03:06am

Rates.EFU

EFU TAKAFUL CONSERVATIVE FUND RATES

KARACHI: EFU Takaful Conservative Fund Rates on Wednesday (December 30, 2020). ======================== Offer ...

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 03:06am

Stocks

Dates of Closure of Books & Annual General Meetings

KARACHI: Dates of Closure of Books and holding of Ordinary and Extra-Ordinary General Meetings of companies listed ...

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 03:06am

Rates.PSX

Clearing Schedule for T+2 System

KARACHI: Pakistan Stock Exchange's Clearing Schedule for T+2 System ...

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 03:06am

Rates.PSX

Proposed right issues

KARACHI: Right issues proposed by companies listed on Pakistan Stock Exchange....

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 03:06am

Stocks

Last date of renunciation/payment

KARACHI: Last dates of renunciation/payment....

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 03:06am

Rates.PSX

Dividend/Bonus Announcements

KARACHI: Dividend/Bonus announcements by the companies listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange....

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 03:06am

Rates.PSX

BOARD MEETINGS

KARACHI: Board Meetings of Companies listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange....

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 03:06am

Stocks

Electronic/credit of dividend warrants/bonus/right share certificates

KARACHI: Electronic/credit of dividend warrants/bonus/right share certificates....

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 03:06am

Rates.BR Index

BRIndex100 and BR Sectoral Indices

KARACHI: BRIndex100 and BR Sectoral Indices on Wednesday (December 30, 2020). ====================================...

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 03:06am

Stocks

NATIONAL CLEARING COMPANY OF PAKISTAN LIMITED (NCCPL)

KARACHI: National Clearing Company declares daily settlement information for local & foreign investors on...

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 03:06am

Rates

Member to Member

KARACHI: The following transactions member to member subsequently reported on Wednesday (December 30, 2020)....

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 03:06am

Rates

Cross Transactions between Client to Client & Financial Institutions

KARACHI: The following were the cross transactions between client to client & financial institutions here on...

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 03:06am

Rates

Revised Rates of Debt Securities

KARACHI: The following were the revised rates of debt securities on Wednesday (December 30, 2020)....

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 03:06am

Rates.The Rupee

THE RUPEE: Strength vs USD rises

KARACHI: On Wednesday, Pakistan Rupee continued to gain strength against US Dollar in both interbank and open...

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 03:06am

Forex

Kerb buying and selling rate of US dollar

KARACHI: Dollar buying and selling rate in the kerb market in rupees on Wednesday (December 30, 2020)....

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 03:06am

Forex

Dollar's rate in interbank market

KARACHI: Interbank closing rates for dollar on Wednesday (December 30, 2020). ======================== Bid ...

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 03:06am

Rates.Ports

Shipping Intelligence

KARACHI: Karachi Shipping Intelligence report incorporating changes till 7 am on Wednesday (December 30, 2020)....

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 03:06am

Rates.Pakistan Economic Indicators

Pakistan Economic Indicators

KARACHI: Pakistan Economic Indicators - Wednesday (December 30, 2020)....

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 03:06am

Paper

Lahore Paper Market Rates

LAHORE: Paper market rates in rupees on Wednesday (December 30, 2020). =======================================...

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 03:06am

Grains

Lahore Grain Market Rates

LAHORE: Grain and other commodity rates in rupees on Akbari Mandi on Wednesday (December 30, 2020)...

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 03:06am

Rates.LME

LME official prices

LONDON: The following were Tuesday official prices....

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 03:06am

Rates.Bullion

Bullion Rates

KARACHI: Gold and silver rates in rupees per 10 grams prevailing in major cities on Wednesday (December 30, 2020)....

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 03:06am

Pakistan

The Weather

KARACHI: The weather report on Wednesday (December 30, 2020) and the forecast for Thursday (December 31, 2020)....

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 03:06am

Life & Style

AAJ PROGRAM SCHEDULE

Thursday, December 31, 2020 TIMING PROGRAM TITLE 06:00 NEWS HOUR 06:25 HEADLINE NEWS 06:30 NEWS HOUR 06:55 ...

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 03:06am

Money & Banking

Bitcoin jumps to record $28,600

LONDON: Bitcoin on Wednesday jumped to a record $28,599.99, after the digital currency almost quadrupled in value...

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 03:05am

Budgets

India eyes asset sales to partly fund higher spending next year

NEW DELHI: India is likely to spend more next fiscal year than this year’s budgeted $415 billion and prioritise...

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 03:05am

US may seek to try accused killer of Daniel Pearl

WASHINGTON: The United States may seek to try in a US court a man accused of killing American journalist Daniel ...

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 03:05am

Money & Banking

Aussie, kiwi up

SYDNEY: The Australian and New Zealand dollars rose on Wednesday as their US counterpart remained locked in a...

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 03:05am

Business & Finance

UK house prices rise by most in six years

LONDON: British house prices rose faster than expected in December to record their biggest annual increase in six...

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 03:05am

Commodities

Canadian canola futures post fresh highs

WINNIPEG: ICE Canadian canola futures rallied to new highs in most contracts on Tuesday on worries about global...

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 03:05am

Stocks

UAE markets down after reports of new virus variant

• Dubai index falls for third session in four • Abu Dhabi index down for second straight session • ...

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 03:05am

Commodities

CBOT corn rallies to 6-1/2-year high

CHICAGO: Chicago Board of Trade corn futures reached a new 6-1/2 year high in a 12-session rally on Tuesday,...

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 03:05am

Commodities

Chinese ferrous futures fall as cold wave hits demand

BEIJING: Chinese ferrous futures fell on Tuesday, with benchmark iron ore slipping below the 1,000 yuan per tonne...

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 03:05am

Industry

GDIB Awards 2021: 30 Pakistani companies win in multiple categories

ISLAMABAD: A total of 30 renowned Pakistani companies and financial organisations including banks and microfinance...

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 03:05am

Grains

EU wheat rises on support by Algeria tender

PARIS: European wheat rose on Tuesday, supported by Algeria’s tender believed to be sourced in Europe and a ...

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 03:05am

Industry

President tells EO’s team: Govt improves business environment

ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi said that the government had improved business environment due to its economic...

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 03:05am

Pakistan

Bailable arrest warrants for Aslam Raisani issued

QUETTA: An accountability court in Quetta has on Wednesday issued bailable arrest warrants for former Balochistan...

Published 31 Dec, 2020 02:45am

Industry

Pakistan, Djibouti reiterate desire to strengthen cooperation

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Djibouti have reiterated their desire to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the areas of...

Published 31 Dec, 2020 02:45am

Currency	Rate
USD PKR Interbank Selling / Jun 24	278.40
USD PKR Interbank Buying / Jun 24	278.20
USD to Japanese Yen / Jun 25	161.83
USD to Swiss Franc / Jun 25	0.81
Pound Sterling to USD / Jun 25	1.32
Euro to USD / Jun 25	1.14
SOFR % / Jun 24	3.62

Stock	Volume
S&P 500 / Jun 24	7,358.22
Nasdaq / Jun 24	25,476.63
Dow Jones / Jun 24	51,848.90
India Sensex / Jun 25	77,542.57
Tokyo Nikkei / Jun 25	72,326.48
Hang Seng / Jun 25	23,036.20
FTSE 100 / Jun 25	10,470.52
Germany DAX 30 / Jun 25	24,834.21
France CAC40 / Jun 25	8,395.16

Item	Value
Karachi Cotton PKR/37.32 KG / Jun 24	18,280
Gold 10 Grams PKR / Jun 24	368,985
Petrol/Litre / Jun 25	299.50
Crude Oil USD/Barrel / Jun 25	69.47
Gold Spot USD/Ounce / Jun 25	3,981.05
Diesel/Litre / Jun 25	311.47
Cotton US¢/pound / Jun 25	76.52

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