BR100 Increased By (0.44%)
BR30 Increased By (1.39%)
KSE100 Increased By (0.62%)
KSE30 Increased By (0.61%)
BECO 5.43 Decreased By ▼ -0.06 (-1.09%)
BML 55.69 Decreased By ▼ -1.07 (-1.89%)
BOP 35.38 Increased By ▲ 0.26 (0.74%)
CNERGY 8.20 Increased By ▲ 0.05 (0.61%)
DCL 11.55 Increased By ▲ 0.04 (0.35%)
FCCL 58.36 Increased By ▲ 1.61 (2.84%)
FCSC 5.12 Decreased By ▼ -0.03 (-0.58%)
FFL 17.84 Decreased By ▼ -0.04 (-0.22%)
FNEL 1.25 No Change ▼ 0.00 (0%)
HUMNL 11.07 Decreased By ▼ -0.05 (-0.45%)
KEL 8.75 Increased By ▲ 0.33 (3.92%)
KOSM 6.69 Increased By ▲ 0.11 (1.67%)
MLCF 107.15 Increased By ▲ 3.85 (3.73%)
NBP 201.73 Increased By ▲ 1.55 (0.77%)
PACE 11.30 Increased By ▲ 0.01 (0.09%)
PAEL 44.49 Increased By ▲ 1.02 (2.35%)
PIAHCLA 29.41 Increased By ▲ 1.92 (6.98%)
PIBTL 18.64 Increased By ▲ 0.94 (5.31%)
PPL 247.98 Increased By ▲ 3.66 (1.5%)
PRL 35.29 Decreased By ▼ -0.14 (-0.4%)
PTC 66.14 Increased By ▲ 0.79 (1.21%)
SEARL 95.49 Increased By ▲ 2.17 (2.33%)
SSGC 32.04 Decreased By ▼ -0.90 (-2.73%)
TELE 8.87 Decreased By ▼ -0.04 (-0.45%)
THCCL 66.61 Decreased By ▼ -0.11 (-0.16%)
TPLP 10.57 Decreased By ▼ -0.26 (-2.4%)
TREET 25.30 Increased By ▲ 0.18 (0.72%)
TRG 64.40 Decreased By ▼ -0.50 (-0.77%)
WAVES 10.90 Decreased By ▼ -0.03 (-0.27%)
WTL 1.26 Increased By ▲ 0.01 (0.8%)
Archive - 2021-02-19
Aaj Entertainment broadcasts first-ever cricket match live from Gwadar
Pakistan

Aaj Entertainment broadcasts first-ever cricket match live from Gwadar

  • This exhibition match has been organized by singer-song writer, actor and anchor Fakhr-e-Alam on 19th Feb in the lush green stadium of Gwadar amidst the mountains of Balochistan.
  • The first-ever cricket match was played in the Gwadar Cricket stadium on the 19th of February, and was broadcasted live on Aaj Entertainment.
Updated 20 Feb, 2021 12:27pm
German 2020 gas imports down 2pc yr-yr, Dec alone up 9pc
Energy

German 2020 gas imports down 2pc yr-yr, Dec alone up 9pc

  • Gas, power and carbon traders monitor gas imports because the supply and demand balance can change prices and traded volumes in all three markets.
  • Gas statistics correlate with coal, which competes with gas in the production of electricity, while also giving clues about demand for mandatory European carbon emissions permits.
Published 19 Feb, 2021 09:18pm
US natgas futures gain as supply losses expected to 'haunt' market
Energy

US natgas futures gain as supply losses expected to 'haunt' market

  • Prices were also supported as US pipeline gas exports to Mexico rose to 5.1 bcf on Friday after dropping to a 13-month low of 3.8 bcf per day on Tuesday, Refinitiv Eikon data showed.
  • Even though we will see some warmer temperatures... there's still expectations that the loss in production is going to haunt us as we get into summer.
Published 19 Feb, 2021 09:15pm
AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine more effective with longer dose gap: study
Companies

AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine more effective with longer dose gap: study

  • The study confirmed the Anglo-Swedish drugmaker's findings from earlier this month that showed the vaccine had 76% efficacy against symptomatic coronavirus infection for three months after the first dose.
  • Efficacy was found to be at 81% with the longer interval of 12 weeks between the first and second dose, compared with 55% efficacy up to the six-week gap.
Published 19 Feb, 2021 09:17pm
G7 says to counter 'non-market' policies from China to ensure free trade
Europe

G7 says to counter 'non-market' policies from China to ensure free trade

  • ith the aim of supporting a fair and mutually beneficial global economic system for all people, we will engage with others, especially G20 countries including large economies such as China.
  • As leaders, we will consult with each other on collective approaches to address non-market oriented policies and practices, and we will cooperate with others to address important global issues that impact all countries.
Published 19 Feb, 2021 09:12pm
US factory activity slows in February but supply bottlenecks push up prices
USA

US factory activity slows in February but supply bottlenecks push up prices

  • The data was in line with economists' forecasts, with a reading above 50 indicating growth in manufacturing, which accounts for 11.9% of the US economy.
  • The supply chain bottlenecks, which are widespread across the manufacturing sector as well as the services industry, have led to higher prices for inputs, including raw materials.
Published 19 Feb, 2021 09:05pm
EU doubles contribution to COVAX with over $600mn in new funding
Europe

EU doubles contribution to COVAX with over $600mn in new funding

  • The contribution consists of a 300 million euro grant and 200 million euros in guarantees by the European Fund for Sustainable Development plus (EFSD+) that will back a loan by the European Investment Bank.
  • They are targeting to deliver 1.3 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines to 92 low- and middle-income countries by the end of 2021.
Published 19 Feb, 2021 09:03pm
Manchester City's Guardiola plays down role in Arteta's rise
Sports

Manchester City's Guardiola plays down role in Arteta's rise

  • Arteta was named Arsenal manager in December 2019 after winning two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and two League Cups under fellow Spaniard Guardiola at City.
  • I don't know if I influenced him," Guardiola told reporters ahead of Sunday's Premier League trip to Arsenal.
Published 19 Feb, 2021 09:01pm
US existing home sales unexpectedly rise in January
USA

US existing home sales unexpectedly rise in January

  • Home resales, which account for the bulk of US home sales, surged 23.7% on a year-on-year basis.
  • The inventory crunch could ease as builders step up construction, though they are facing challenges from record lumber prices as well as shortages of land and labor.
Published 19 Feb, 2021 08:59pm
UK bond yields head for biggest weekly rise since June
Financial

UK bond yields head for biggest weekly rise since June

  • Based their latest level they are on course of just under 17 basis points the biggest since the week to June 5.
  • Sterling also rose above $1.40 for the first time in nearly three years on Friday although it was flat against the euro.
Published 19 Feb, 2021 08:57pm
Brazil 2021 inflation forecasts revised up, central bank target in spotlight
USA

Brazil 2021 inflation forecasts revised up, central bank target in spotlight

  • Banco Itau's economics team, led by chief economist Mario Mesquita, on Friday raised its 2021 inflation forecast to 3.8% from 3.6%, citing strong industrial price pressures.
  • We emphasize that the (upward) pressure of industrial costs is also being seen in other economies, given the robust demand recovery after coronavirus shock and surging commodity prices.
Published 19 Feb, 2021 08:49pm
West Ham's top-four hopes will be clearer after tough run: Moyes
Sports

West Ham's top-four hopes will be clearer after tough run: Moyes

  • After the next five or six games, if we get down to single digits games to go, then I could probably start to see what could happen.
  • West Ham have not finished above Tottenham since 2008, though Moyes said he was not reading too much into their opponents' run of four defeats in their last five league games.
Published 19 Feb, 2021 08:45pm
Canada says COVID-19 variants are boosting threat of a spring resurgence
USA

Canada says COVID-19 variants are boosting threat of a spring resurgence

  • The comments were the latest from medical authorities across the country expressing concern that the new variants could trigger a third wave of the coronavirus.
  • A new, longer-range forecast that includes variants of concern indicates a strong resurgence unless we have stringent measures and strict adherence.
Published 19 Feb, 2021 08:41pm
Russian rouble steadies near 74 vs dollar, Norilsk shares rally
Forex

Russian rouble steadies near 74 vs dollar, Norilsk shares rally

  • The rouble was 0.1% weaker against the dollar at 73.99 and eased 0.3% versus the euro to trade at 89.67.
  • Volatility on the oil market and in risky assets may keep the sideways trend in the rouble in place. But we still think that chances for its renewed firming are slightly higher.
Published 19 Feb, 2021 08:40pm
Dollar extends decline as risk appetite favors equities
Forex

Dollar extends decline as risk appetite favors equities

  • The US dollar has been weighed down by a string of soft labor market data, even as President Joe Biden's proposed $1.9 trillion spending package takes shape.
  • What the foreign exchange market is looking at in the short term, is the dollar is going to be weak despite progress in the economy because this country has a huge deficit problem.
Published 19 Feb, 2021 08:36pm
White House working with Facebook and Twitter to tackle anti-vaxxers
USA

White House working with Facebook and Twitter to tackle anti-vaxxers

  • Disinformation that causes vaccine hesitancy is going to be a huge obstacle to getting everyone vaccinated and there are no larger players in that than the social media platforms.
  • "We are talking to them ... so they understand the importance of misinformation and disinformation and how they can get rid of it quickly."
Published 19 Feb, 2021 08:35pm
TSX flat as weak retail sales data weighs; set for weekly loss
Stocks

TSX flat as weak retail sales data weighs; set for weekly loss

  • Domestic retail sales fell 3.4% in December to $53.38 billion ($42.37 billion), the biggest monthly drop since April, as COVID-19 restrictions hit businesses, Statistics Canada said.
  • Toronto Stock Exchange's S&P/TSX composite index was flat at 18,274.68 and was set to record its worst week so far this month.
Published 19 Feb, 2021 08:29pm
Mexico begins receiving LNG as gas supply via pipeline rises
Energy

Mexico begins receiving LNG as gas supply via pipeline rises

  • The Marshall Island tanker Flex Courageous carrying US LNG docked on Friday at the Manzanillo terminal on the Pacific Coast, Refinitiv Eikon data showed.
  • A second cargo also from the United States on the tanker Seri Balhaf is waiting to discharge about 151,300 cubic meters of LNG at Mexico's Altamira terminal on the Gulf Coast.
Published 19 Feb, 2021 08:30pm
Indian shares extend losses as financials slide
Stocks

Indian shares extend losses as financials slide

  • The NSE Nifty 50 index closed 0.91% lower at 14,981.75, while the S&P BSE Sensex ended down 0.85% at 50,889.76.
  • Lenders State Bank of India, Axis Bank ICIC Bank were the three biggest drags on the Nifty 50, falling between 3.5% to 3%.
Published 19 Feb, 2021 08:27pm
Raw sugar nears four-year peak, arabica also up
Commodities

Raw sugar nears four-year peak, arabica also up

  • March raw sugar rose by 0.4 cent, or 2.3%, to 17.91 cents per lb.
  • May arabica coffee rose by 0.05 cent, or 0.04%, to $1.2935 per lb.
  • May London cocoa fell by 1 pound, or 0.06%, to 1,632 pounds a tonne after dipping to 1,630 pounds, its weakest in more than one month.
Published 19 Feb, 2021 08:16pm
Fazlur Rehman, Asif Zardari discuss Senate election, long march
Pakistan

Fazlur Rehman, Asif Zardari discuss Senate election, long march

  • In a telephonic conversation, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader and Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) chief exchanged views on the upcoming Senate polls and the anti-government long march.
  • They also exchanged views over the Senate candidates from KP and other provinces.
Updated 19 Feb, 2021 08:12pm
Israeli studies find Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine reduces transmission
Companies

Israeli studies find Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine reduces transmission

  • Pfizer vaccine developed with Germany's BioNTech reduces infection, including in asymptomatic cases, by 89.4% and in syptomatic cases by 93.7%.
  • Findings of the pre-published study, not yet peer-reviewed, but based on a national database that is one of the world's most advanced.
Published 19 Feb, 2021 08:09pm
Maroc Telecom reports $674 million profit in 2020
Industry

Maroc Telecom reports $674 million profit in 2020

  • The company said it will pay a dividend of 4.01 dirhams per share, totalling 3.5 billion dirhams, or a yield of 2.8%
  • Maroc Telecom said its customer base rose 8.1% to 73 million citing a growth of its African subsidiaries.
Published 19 Feb, 2021 08:07pm
Benzema adds to Real's growing injury woes
Sports

Benzema adds to Real's growing injury woes

  • Benzema has netted 17 goals this season in all competitions for Real, who sit second in the table, six points behind leaders Atletico Madrid having played a game more.
  • Tomorrow he won't play. He's got something, a problem, that flared up yesterday (Thursday) and he won't take part tomorrow.
Published 19 Feb, 2021 08:01pm
Sheffield United suffer Egan blow as injuries mount
Sports

Sheffield United suffer Egan blow as injuries mount

  • "John Egan is going to be out for eight weeks. He needs an operation on a dislocated toe," Wilder told reporters ahead of Saturday's league match at Fulham.
  • "It's a situation where John has gone to block a shot and when we saw the reaction of a committed, brave player, straightaway we all knew he was in trouble.
Published 19 Feb, 2021 07:57pm
ECB plans closer scrutiny of bank boards
Money & Banking

ECB plans closer scrutiny of bank boards

  • The ECB already examines the suitability of board candidates in a so-called fit and proper assessment, but rules across the 19 euro zone members vary, so the quality of these checks can be inconsistent.
  • Supervisors will consider furthermore all of the diversity-related aspects that are most relevant to enhancing the individual and collective leadership of boards.
Published 19 Feb, 2021 07:55pm
Huuuge makes muted debut in Poland's biggest gaming firm float
Stocks

Huuuge makes muted debut in Poland's biggest gaming firm float

  • Poland's most recent initial public offerings include e-commerce platform Allegro, online fashion retailer Answear.com, and gaming company PCF Group (People Can Fly).
  • This is a monumental day for us. Today is one big 'hello world' moment for team Huuuge.
Published 19 Feb, 2021 07:53pm
Nigerian court freezes Shell accounts ahead of Aiteo lawsuit
Companies

Nigerian court freezes Shell accounts ahead of Aiteo lawsuit

  • Court documents seen by Reuters show that Aiteo is seeking compensation over what it says was the poor condition of the pipeline and associated lost oil sales.
  • SPDC is working to secure an expeditious discharge of the freezing injunction, which we believe was obtained by Aiteo without any valid basis.
Published 19 Feb, 2021 07:51pm
Russia's FinMin proposes tax breaks for hard-to-recover gas output
Energy

Russia's FinMin proposes tax breaks for hard-to-recover gas output

  • The RBC daily reported last year that Rosneft had asked the government to ease taxes for the formation where it plans to develop the giant Kharampur project with its shareholder, BP .
  • The ministry said it has proposed to cut the mineral extraction tax for Berezovskaya. The proposal is subject to further discussion.
Published 19 Feb, 2021 07:49pm
Two dead, eight injured as PTI, PMLN workers clash as Daska
Pakistan

Two dead, eight injured as PTI, PMLN workers clash as Daska

  • The firing incident occurred at the Gondka polling station, which left three people injured with two succumbing to their injuries while being transported to hospital.
  • A heavy contingent of police officials and Rangers personnel reached at the site to restore order.
Updated 19 Feb, 2021 07:51pm
EU moves to allow continued data flows to Britain after Brexit
Europe

EU moves to allow continued data flows to Britain after Brexit

  • Ensuring free and safe flow of personal data is crucial for businesses and citizens on both sides of the Channel. The UK has left the EU, but not the European privacy family.
  • This should be completed before the end of June, when an interim arrangement for data flows after Brexit ends.
Published 19 Feb, 2021 07:48pm
Ukraine grain exports down 20.8pc so far this season
Commodities

Ukraine grain exports down 20.8pc so far this season

  • Traders sold 13.31 million tonnes of wheat, 13.08 million tonnes of corn and 3.96 million tonnes of barley, the data showed.
  • Ukraine is among global major grain exporters and sold about 57 million tonnes of grain to foreign buyers in the 2019/20 season.
Published 19 Feb, 2021 07:46pm
France's Total says it is concerned about Myanmar situation
South Asia

France's Total says it is concerned about Myanmar situation

  • The Business & Human Rights Resource Centre, a group that promotes human rights in business and tracks human rights policy of thousands of companies.
  • At this time, we are closely following the current situation in the country and working to ensure the health, safety and security of our employees and our contractors.
Published 19 Feb, 2021 07:44pm
Belarus switches oil products to Russian from EU ports
Companies

Belarus switches oil products to Russian from EU ports

  • The three Baltic nations imposed sanctions on Lukashenko and his allies following the elections and he promised to re-route oil products shipments to Russian ports in retaliation.
  • Shipments, set to start from March, would rise to 3.2 million tonnes next year and stay at 3.1 million tonnes in 2023.
Published 19 Feb, 2021 07:37pm
Bayern's Tolisso out for months with 'serious' muscle injury
Sports

Bayern's Tolisso out for months with 'serious' muscle injury

  • The injury could also cast a shadow over his participation at this year's European Championship starting in June.
  • He has already been operated (on). It is a serious muscle injury in his left thigh, a muscle tear. We were all shocked in training.
Published 19 Feb, 2021 07:41pm
Medvedev win over Djokovic would be good for game, says Tsitsipas
Sports

Medvedev win over Djokovic would be good for game, says Tsitsipas

  • World number four Medvedev had a shot at breaking that stranglehold in the US Open final in 2019 against Nadal but went down in five sets.
  • "I wouldn't be surprised to see Daniil win the tournament," Tsitsipas, ranked sixth in the world, told reporters after his 6-4 6-2 7-5 defeat to Medvedev in the semi-finals.
Published 19 Feb, 2021 07:35pm
Rosneft and Shell have not agreed on 2021 oil supplies to PCK Schwedt refinery
Companies

Rosneft and Shell have not agreed on 2021 oil supplies to PCK Schwedt refinery

  • Under the previous contract, which expired on Dec. 31, Rosneft supplied about 100,000 tonnes a month to Shell, the offtaker for the refinery, via the Druzhba pipeline.
  • Rosneft holds a 54.17% stake in the 220,000-barrels-per-day PCK Schwedt refinery, while British-Dutch major Shell has 37.5% and Italy's Eni has a stake of 8.33%.
Published 19 Feb, 2021 07:36pm
J&J applies to WHO for emergency use listing of COVID-19 vaccine
Companies

J&J applies to WHO for emergency use listing of COVID-19 vaccine

  • J&J said an emergency use listing is a prerequisite for supplying vaccines to the COVAX vaccine program, co-led by WHO, which aims to deliver doses to poor and middle-income countries.
  • The J&J vaccine is administered in a single dose and can be stored at normal fridge temperatures, a big selling point in countries with relatively weaker healthcare infrastructure.
Published 19 Feb, 2021 07:31pm
UK economy shows signs of stabilisation after new lockdown hit
Europe

UK economy shows signs of stabilisation after new lockdown hit

  • Surveys suggest UK businesses stabilised in February.
  • Retail sales slump 8.2% m/m in January.
  • Borrowing much lower than expected at 8.8 billion pounds.
  • Sunak says he will be honest about fixing budget hole.
  • Economist sees big tax rises in 2022.
Published 19 Feb, 2021 07:27pm
Pfizer seeks US approval to ease handling of COVID-19 vaccine
Companies

Pfizer seeks US approval to ease handling of COVID-19 vaccine

  • Pfizer/BioNTech's vaccine, along with Moderna Inc's two-dose shot, won the US emergency use authorization (EUA) and is being widely distributed as part of the country's mass vaccination efforts.
  • The data submitted may facilitate the handling of our vaccine in pharmacies and provide vaccination centers an even greater flexibility.
Published 19 Feb, 2021 07:23pm
Pressure is all on Djokovic in the final, says Medvedev
Sports

Pressure is all on Djokovic in the final, says Medvedev

  • The relentless Russian will contest his first final at Melbourne Park on Sunday and look to claim his maiden Grand Slam title after beating Tsitsipas 6-4 6-2 7-5 at a floodlit Rod Laver Arena.
  • Yet Medvedev has now won 20 successive matches and 12 against top-10 opponents, including beating Djokovic on the way to winning the ATP Finals.
Published 19 Feb, 2021 07:21pm
Ghana expects first delivery of AstraZeneca vaccine shots
Africa

Ghana expects first delivery of AstraZeneca vaccine shots

  • The country will spend around $3 for every two shots of vaccine and inoculate around 20 million people against the virus, according to the plan.
  • On the estimated cost, we are looking at...for every person getting two shots, that would cost nearly $3 per person fully vaccinated for the two doses.
Published 19 Feb, 2021 07:17pm
Tunisia buys soft wheat, durum wheat and feed barley in tender
Commodities

Tunisia buys soft wheat, durum wheat and feed barley in tender

  • Tonnage bought was initially unclear but thought to be close to the tender volume of around 100,000 tonnes of soft wheat, 92,000 tonnes of durum wheat and 100,000 tonnes of barley.
  • Shipment of all grains was sought between March 15 and April 25, depending on the supplying origin.
Published 19 Feb, 2021 07:11pm
Ecopetrol proven reserves finished 2020 down 6.5pc
Energy

Ecopetrol proven reserves finished 2020 down 6.5pc

  • The decline in 1P reserves was mainly caused by the 32% price drop in hydrocarbon prices, Ecopetrol said.
  • The Brent price used for valuation in 2020 was $43 per barrel, compared with $63 per barrel in 2019, implying a decrease of 215 million boe, the company said.
Published 19 Feb, 2021 07:09pm
Everton's Calvert-Lewin, Allan in line for return at Liverpool
Sports

Everton's Calvert-Lewin, Allan in line for return at Liverpool

  • "Dominic is back and also Allan is back. We have many games in this period so it is important to have the squad available," Ancelotti told reporters.
  • "To have Allan back is really important for us. He can add more intensity, more concentration defensively."
Published 19 Feb, 2021 07:03pm
South Africa adviser says Pfizer 'still very good vaccine' despite study
Africa

South Africa adviser says Pfizer 'still very good vaccine' despite study

  • The advisory committee held its regular weekly meeting on Thursday and discussed the laboratory study, which was published in the New England Journal of Medicine this week.
  • South Africa is counting on the Pfizer shot, developed with German partner BioNTech, to step up its vaccination programme after administering its first Johnson & Johnson doses on Wednesday.
Published 19 Feb, 2021 06:55pm
Japan will need nuclear power in 2050-utilities group head
South Asia

Japan will need nuclear power in 2050-utilities group head

  • Scientifically, we may have a breakthrough in storage battery technology that may enable renewable power to meet the entire electricity demand by 2050.
  • In terms of public opinion, we are not yet at the stage to talk about building new power plants or replacing existing plants.
Published 19 Feb, 2021 06:23pm
Italy's Eni beats expectations in last quarter after 'year like no other'
Energy

Italy's Eni beats expectations in last quarter after 'year like no other'

  • The unprecedented fall in demand triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic led bigger European rivals Shell and BP and US majors Exxon Mobil and Chevron to report heavy losses for the year.
  • Eni shares fell sharply last year, hitting their lowest in a quarter of a century as the health pandemic shook oil markets.
Published 19 Feb, 2021 06:20pm
Northvolt to invest $200mn in new Polish battery plant
Companies

Northvolt to invest $200mn in new Polish battery plant

  • Securing battery cell manufacturing capacity in Europe is key for its industrial future, but what is equally critical is the industrial capacity for integrating cells into real-world solutions.
  • It is this that the new factory will deliver - sophisticated, sustainable energy storage systems to support the transformation of Europe's electricity grid and its industry.
Published 19 Feb, 2021 06:13pm
Auto parts supplier Magna rides demand rebound to forecast upbeat 2021
Companies

Auto parts supplier Magna rides demand rebound to forecast upbeat 2021

  • Pent-up demand and customers preferring to buy vehicles seeking more safety during the health crisis have lifted auto sales and boosted demand for auto suppliers.
  • The Ontario-based company expects 2021 revenue of $40 billion to $41.6 billion, above analysts' average estimate of $38.41 billion, according to Refinitiv I/B/E/S data.
Published 19 Feb, 2021 05:54pm
Ukraine's death rate jumps 42.9pc in December
Europe

Ukraine's death rate jumps 42.9pc in December

  • Overall in 2020, Ukraine, a country of 41 million, reported 6.1% more fatalities - or 616,835 people - than in the previous year.
  • The figure marks a lower per capita death rate than seen in many European countries, a fact the government attributes to its tough lockdown measures.
Published 19 Feb, 2021 05:49pm
Dutch government fighting in court and Senate to keep coronavirus curfew
Europe

Dutch government fighting in court and Senate to keep coronavirus curfew

  • Meanwhile, an appeals court was hearing more arguments about whether it had ever been legal to introduce the curfew, which triggered street protests when it was brought in last month.
  • Protesters and political opponents say the curfew, the first seen in the Netherlands since World War Two, is a unnecessary restriction on freedoms.
Published 19 Feb, 2021 05:48pm
Deere upgrades 2021 earnings outlook on improved equipment demand
Companies

Deere upgrades 2021 earnings outlook on improved equipment demand

  • The Moline, Illinois-based company now expects annual net income in the range of $4.6 billion to $5.0 billion, higher than $3.6 billion-$4.0 billion forecast earlier.
  • Earnings for the first quarter came in at $3.87 per share compared with $1.63 per share last year. Analysts surveyed by Refinitiv, on average, expected quarterly earnings of $2.14 per share.
Published 19 Feb, 2021 05:35pm
Russian Presidential Envoy calls on COAS Bajwa: ISPR
Pakistan

Russian Presidential Envoy calls on COAS Bajwa: ISPR

  • The two leaders discussed matters of mutual interest and the regional security situation, with a particular focus on the developments in the Afghan Peace Process.
  • The COAS said that peace in both countries is in the greater interest of the region.
Updated 19 Feb, 2021 05:40pm
Bulgaria to give COVID-19 shots to all who want them amid high public mistrust
Europe

Bulgaria to give COVID-19 shots to all who want them amid high public mistrust

  • Over 70% of teachers and workers in sensitive infrastructure that had priority for inoculations after frontline medics did not show up for their appointments, health officials said.
  • Bulgaria has a population of 7 million people but has administered only 90,500 shots against COVID-19 so far. About 25,400 people have had two shots.
Published 19 Feb, 2021 05:31pm
Medvedev sees off Tsitsipas to march into Australian Open final
Sports

Medvedev sees off Tsitsipas to march into Australian Open final

  • Fourth seed Medvedev served like a machine until broken in the third set, which revived the Greek fans in the terraces as Tsitsipas roared to a 5-4 lead.
  • "I'm happy to manage to keep my nerves because still I didn't make so many bad shots," Medvedev said on court of his anxious third set.
Published 19 Feb, 2021 05:29pm
Moody's says Hungary's economy could grow by 3pc in 2021
Europe

Moody's says Hungary's economy could grow by 3pc in 2021

  • Hungary's central bank had projected GDP growth of 3.5%-6.0% for this year in its last inflation report in December.
  • The outlook would return to stable, or downward rating pressure could arise if there were signs of a (post-pandemic) weakened commitment by policymakers to contain the budget deficit.
Published 19 Feb, 2021 05:28pm
Colonial allocates Cycle 14 shipments on distillate Line 20
Companies

Colonial allocates Cycle 14 shipments on distillate Line 20

  • The company generally announces allocations when nominations, or requests, for space to ship petroleum products on its lines exceed its ability to meet the five-day lifting cycle.
  • The cycles are five-day periods when a sequence of all in-season products is pumped.
Published 19 Feb, 2021 05:24pm
Facebook's Australia news blackout: a shock four years in the making
South Asia

Facebook's Australia news blackout: a shock four years in the making

  • Yet this was a shock four years in the making - a potential global turning point for regulation of big social media companies that began with Australia's complex, provincial politics in 2017.
  • If there is a viable rival to Facebook in years to come, its genesis will be the event that occurred in Australia on the 18th of February.
Published 19 Feb, 2021 05:22pm
UK court blocks release of HSBC papers in Huawei CFO fraud case
Europe

UK court blocks release of HSBC papers in Huawei CFO fraud case

  • Meng is facing charges of bank fraud in the United States for allegedly misleading HSBC about Huawei's business dealings in Iran, causing the bank to violate US sanctions.
  • The judge's written judgment on Friday declined Meng's application and ordered her team to pay legal costs of 80,000 pounds ($111,936).
Published 19 Feb, 2021 05:19pm
AmTrust CEO-backed SPAC files for $300mn IPO
Stocks

AmTrust CEO-backed SPAC files for $300mn IPO

  • Pine Technology Acquisition Corp said it plans to sell 30 million units, made up of shares and warrants, priced at $10 per share on the Nasdaq Capital Market.
  • SPACs are shell companies that raise funds through an IPO to acquire a private company, which becomes public as a result of the merger.
Published 19 Feb, 2021 05:15pm
Futures edge higher ahead of business activity data
Stocks

Futures edge higher ahead of business activity data

  • Futures up: Dow 0.12%, S&P 0.21%, Nasdaq 0.34%
  • Strong earnings, progress in vaccination roll-outs and hopes of a $1.9 trillion federal stimulus package helped US stock indexes hit record highs at the start of the week.
Published 19 Feb, 2021 05:13pm
Opportunity for future stars to announce their arrivals
Sports

Opportunity for future stars to announce their arrivals

  • That same stage propelled Shadab Khan, Haider Ali, Umar Khan, Arshad Iqbal and Rohail Nazir to name a few.
  • The HBL Pakistan Super League 6 will also see all six teams giving two emerging players each the launch pad to fire on. Here is a brief introduction of all the emerging players.
Updated 19 Feb, 2021 05:06pm
Iran will reverse nuclear actions when U.S. lifts sanctions: Zarif
USA

Iran will reverse nuclear actions when U.S. lifts sanctions: Zarif

  • Iran will “immediately reverse” actions in its nuclear programme when U.S. sanctions are lifted, its foreign minister said on Friday, reiterating Tehran’s position on Washington’s offer to revive talks.
  • The Biden Administration said on Thursday it was ready to revive a 2015 agreement between Iran and world powers that former president Donald Trump abandoned in 2018 before reimposing sanctions on Iran.
Updated 19 Feb, 2021 05:06pm
Senate polls hearing reference: SC adjourns hearing till February 22
Pakistan

Senate polls hearing reference: SC adjourns hearing till February 22

  • Justice Ahsan says the alliance of political parties does not make any difference on proportional representation, if a party wants to unite, it should do so openly
  • Raza Rabbani told the court that there is a difference between horse trading and political alliance as political alliance is usually secret
Published 19 Feb, 2021 04:25pm
ATC blocks CNICs of PTM leaders
Pakistan

ATC blocks CNICs of PTM leaders

  • Both Manzoor Pashteen and Mohsin Dawar were declared fugitives in the case, after their continued non-appearance before the court
  • PTM chief Manzoor Pashteen and Mohsin Dawar are named in treason case and provoking the masses against the state through their hate speeches
Updated 19 Feb, 2021 03:30pm
PEC announces school exam schedule
Pakistan

PEC announces school exam schedule

  • The exams will be held from May 18 to 31 for students of grades I-VIII, read the notification by PEC.
  • According to the PEC, 50% weightage in the exams will be for homework and 50% weightage will be for MCQ-based papers.
Updated 19 Feb, 2021 02:57pm
Rich nations stockpiling a billion more COVID-19 vaccine shots than needed: Report
World

Rich nations stockpiling a billion more COVID-19 vaccine shots than needed: Report

  • In an analysis of current supply deals for COVID-19 vaccines, the ONE Campaign said wealthy countries, such as the United States and Britain, should share the excess doses to “supercharge” a fully global response to the pandemic.
  • On Thursday, the World Health Organization urged nations with vaccines not to share them unilaterally, but to donate them to the global COVAX scheme to ensure fairness.
Updated 19 Feb, 2021 02:55pm
President Biden to focus on COVID-19, China, at his first G7 summit
China

President Biden to focus on COVID-19, China, at his first G7 summit

  • In his upcoming meeting with world leaders from the G-7, President Joe Biden plans to focus on the global response to the pandemic, according to the White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki on Thursday.
  • The Trump Administration held a volatile relationship with China, placing tariffs on Chinese goods and blocking supplies to Chinese telecommunications companies; while Biden as repeatedly taken aim at China for its treatment of the minority Uyghur community.
Updated 19 Feb, 2021 01:26pm
PTI leader Haleem Sheikh sent to jail on judicial remand
Pakistan

PTI leader Haleem Sheikh sent to jail on judicial remand

  • Sheikh told the court that the snake was deliberately left in his room and it was a conspiracy to murder him
  • On February 16, Opposition Leader in Sindh Assembly Haleem Adil Sheikh was taken into custody by police for violating the orders of Election Commission of Pakistan
Published 19 Feb, 2021 12:45pm
US oil may test support at $58.13
Energy

US oil may test support at $58.13

  • A retracement analysis reveals an immediate support at $58.13, the 38.2% level, a break below which could open the way towards $56.85. A bounce from the current level may be limited to $59.33.
Published 19 Feb, 2021 11:33am
By-elections in four NA, PA constituencies begins
Pakistan

By-elections in four NA, PA constituencies begins

  • Strict security arrangements have been taken to avert any untoward incident, while Rangers and FC officers have been deployed outside polling stations
  • The ECP states the number of registered voters in the constituency is 4,94300 while 360 polling stations have been set up
Published 19 Feb, 2021 11:26am
US consults Japan, South Korea on North Korea review
World

US consults Japan, South Korea on North Korea review

  • The Trump administration argued that it ended a diplomatic logjam and effectively stopped North Korea's nuclear and missile tests, although critics say that Pyongyang nonetheless advanced on the programs.
Published 19 Feb, 2021 10:23am
How the GameStop hearing unfolded?
Business & Finance

How the GameStop hearing unfolded?

  • GameStop rose more than 1,000% during two weeks as retail traders using the Reddit platform encouraged each other to pile in, socking it to hedge fund managers who were short the stock - a bet GameStop would fall.
Published 19 Feb, 2021 10:09am
Pakistan calls upon India to bring perpetrators of Samjhauta Express blast to justice 'without further delay'
Pakistan

Pakistan calls upon India to bring perpetrators of Samjhauta Express blast to justice 'without further delay'

  • The FO said that despite the availability of clear evidence, India’s continuing failure to provide justice to the victims of the horrible incident is a 'reconfirmation of the culture of impunity that the perpetrators of terrorist attacks enjoy in India'.
  • In 2007, the Delhi-Lahore Samjhauta Express train blasts resulted in the death of 68 passengers, including more than 40 Pakistani nationals.
Published 19 Feb, 2021 10:05am
Myanmar generals under sanctions pressure
World

Myanmar generals under sanctions pressure

  • "We will be waiting for the EU sanctions announcement" on Monday, said Thinzar Shunlei Yi, one of the main activists who kicked off an online "Civil Disobedience Movement" campaign which has spilled onto the streets.
Published 19 Feb, 2021 09:46am
CSR summit, awards on 25th
Pakistan

CSR summit, awards on 25th

ISLAMABAD: Punjab Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar will be the chief guest at the 13th Annual Corporate Social...
Updated 19 Feb, 2021 09:27am
The Weather
Pakistan

The Weather

KARACHI: The weather report on Thursday (February 18, 2021) and the forecast for Friday (February 19, 2021)....
Updated 19 Feb, 2021 09:27am
Aussie, kiwi steady
Money & Banking

Aussie, kiwi steady

SYDNEY: The Australian and New Zealand dollars held steady on Thursday as solid domestic data helped offset a broad...
Updated 19 Feb, 2021 09:24am
Govt-IPPs deals get NAB sanction

Govt-IPPs deals get NAB sanction

ISLAMABAD: National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has "cleared" deals between Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and...
Updated 19 Feb, 2021 09:23am
HBL- bigger and better
BR Research

HBL- bigger and better

HBL doubled its profits in 2020 from a year ago. This is as good as it gets especially considering 2020 was not a...
Published 19 Feb, 2021 07:35am
German envoy meets PTA chief
Pakistan

German envoy meets PTA chief

ISLAMABAD: The German Ambassador to Pakistan, Bernhard Schlagheck called on Chairman PTA, Maj-Gen Amir Azeem Bajwa...
Published 19 Feb, 2021 04:07am
Dollar steadies in Europe
Markets

Dollar steadies in Europe

LONDON: The dollar traded shy of recent highs on Thursday after its first back-to-back gains in two weeks as upbeat...
Published 19 Feb, 2021 04:07am
Japanese shares slip
Stocks

Japanese shares slip

TOKYO: Japan’s benchmark Nikkei share average inched lower on Thursday as investors tuned cautions about the...
Published 19 Feb, 2021 04:07am