News Archives for Latest - 2021-03-12

Editorials

Towards an autonomous Central Bank

EDITORIAL: Earlier this week, the federal cabinet approved the International Monetary Fund (IMF) conditions-aligned...

Updated 13 Mar, 2021 12:42pm

Forex

Brazil, South Africa finances at risk from domestic debt market volatility: S&P

Domestic debt markets is where we're more concerned about the impact of rising yields.
Several emerging markets already had very significant fiscal weaknesses before the COVID-19 pandemic and we expect their debt ratios to rise over the next years and if the cost of funding is going up we could see even worse debt trajectories in Brazil and South Africa.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 09:42pm

Forex

Sterling falls 0.8pc versus dollar as Treasury yields climb

Sterling was down 0.8% against a stronger dollar at $1.3885.
The weaker pound is largely a function of higher yields pushing the US dollar into positive territory.
Versus the euro, sterling fell 0.3% on Friday to 85.97 pence.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 09:40pm

Forex

Dollar rises on Treasury yield spike with world awash in stimulus

Dollar index up 0.53%.
US PPI annual gain largest in nearly 2-1/2 years.
US President Joe Biden signed a $1.9 trillion stimulus bill into law on Thursday and urged US states to make all adults eligible for a coronavirus vaccine by May 1.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 09:38pm

Financial

German yields rise with US treasuries as ECB impact fades

Ten-year US Treasury yields rose to over 1.63%, their highest level since February 2020 and their German equivalents, the benchmark for the region, rose as high as -0.293%.
Italian 10-year yields, which outperformed the market on Thursday as the country is among the top beneficiaries of ECB bond buying, were up 5 basis points at 0.63%.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 09:36pm

Europe

UK records a further 175 COVID deaths, 6,609 new cases

The number of deaths was down from the 181 recorded on Thursday, and cases was also down from 6,753. A total of 125,343 people have now died with the virus under the 28-day measurement.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 09:33pm

Commodities

Gold drops over 1pc as rising bond yields, dollar dull appeal

Gold's key support area between $1,670-$1,690/oz – analyst.
Silver on track for first weekly gain in four.
Platinum set to post largest weekly gain in four weeks.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 09:29pm

Forex

Mexico leads Latam losses as rising yields, dollar dent FX

Bolstered by a strong rise in US producer prices, a fresh spike in US Treasury yields sparked a risk-off move, with the dollar reversing its fall from earlier in the week.
These legal setbacks will only intensify (President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's) desire to change the constitution to shield his energy-sector vision from further legal setbacks down the road.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 09:27pm

Forex

South Africa's rand slips but set for weekly gains

"Price action counts for a lot, and the currency's resilience suggests fundamentals still favour the rand," said Nedbank currency strategist Walter de Wet.
"From a domestic perspective, three obvious factors are in favour of the currency: strong commodity prices, a strong trade surplus, and high real government bond yields."

Published 12 Mar, 2021 09:25pm

Stocks

TSX down as mining stocks track weaker bullion

The materials sector, which includes precious and base metals miners and fertilizer companies, lost 1.5% as gold futures fell 1.1% to $1,703.1 an ounce.
Toronto Stock Exchange's S&P/TSX composite index was down 83.83 points, or 0.44%, at 18,760.74.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 09:23pm

Stocks

S&P 500, Nasdaq weighed down by spike in bond yields

Ulta Beauty slumps as revenue forecast disappoints.
Benchmark yields approach one-year highs.
Three major indexes set for best week in six.
Indexes: Dow up 0.48%, S&P down 0.22%, Nasdaq drops 1.09%.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 09:17pm

Commodities

Soybeans down 6-9 cents; corn down 3-5 cents; wheat up 0-1 cents

CBOT wheat hovered near even overnight after a 1.5% drop Thursday, pressured by beneficial rains expected across the US Southern Plains.
China is scooping up supplies of US white wheat to feed livestock, pushing export forecasts for the grain usually used to make sponge cakes and noodles to a 27-year-high.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 09:14pm

Companies

Boeing secures 24 737 MAX orders from investment firm 777 Partners

Miami-based 777 Partners, which has a stake in Canadian ultra-low-cost carrier Flair Airlines, said it plans to lease the 737-8s to its affiliated carriers.
The deal is expected to boost Boeing's position and provide the much-needed support towards a financial recovery after two fatal 737 MAX crashes triggered a 20-month safety ban on the jet.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 09:12pm

USA

Canada posts strong February job gains, unemployment drops sharply

With the addition of 259,200 jobs in February, Canada recouped nearly all the losses of the previous two months and beat the average analyst prediction of 75,000 new jobs.
Employment remains 3.1% below pre-pandemic levels, while the number of long-term unemployed fell by 9.7% from a record high of 512,000 in January.

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 09:13pm

Pakistan

Senate chairman election has been stolen: Bilawal

"Those votes were cast properly, legally, constitutionally, but seven senators of the Senate of Pakistan were purposefully disenfranchised and Mr. Gillani, despite winning, has still not sat on that seat.” Sanjrani received 48 votes while Gilani secured 42 votes. However, seven votes were rejected.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 09:03pm

Money & Banking

ECB policymakers spar on fallout of US stimulus, outlook

The ECB decided on Thursday to accelerate money-printing to keep a lid on euro zone borrowing costs, signalling to sceptical markets that it is determined to lay the foundation for a solid economic recovery.
"Biden just came in, the bill has already passed, and the check's going to be in the mail next week," one source said.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 08:55pm

Europe

EU may take legal action against Hungary over opposition radio licence

Klubradio, which has broadcast for 19 years, was forced off the air last month after it lost an appeal against the removal of its licence. It has been broadcasting on the internet since mid-February.
The EU has long been concerned over what it sees as an erosion of democratic standards under Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban. His nationalist government rejects such criticism.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 08:44pm

Stocks

S&P 500, Dow slip from record highs at open as bond yields spike

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 23.2 points, or 0.07%, at the open to 32462.4 and the S&P 500 fell 14.8 points, or 0.38%, at the open to 3924.52, while the Nasdaq Composite dropped 175.9 points, or 1.31%, to 13222.813 at the opening bell.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 08:42pm

Pakistan

Chairman Senate election: PPP decides to challenge Sanjrani’s victory

According to the presiding officer, 98 senators cast their votes to elect a new Senate chairman.
The party has made the decision to challenge the victory in the election tribunal.

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 08:43pm

USA

Brazil gives final approval for AstraZeneca vaccine, sees domestic manufacture

The AstraZeneca vaccine is already being administered in Brazil, but is registered only for emergency use, and the doses have been imported from India.
In an online address, Anvisa director Gustavo Mendes said that the doses manufactured by Fiocruz are expected to be delivered to the Health Ministry later this month.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 08:40pm

Sports

Man Utd's De Gea 'touch and go' for West Ham clash, says Solskjaer

De Gea has missed United's last three games after he was given time off to travel to Spain for the birth of his first child.
- "He is touch and go for Sunday I think because I can't really know when he came back, so I'm not really sure if it was Monday or Tuesday that he arrived back in Manchester," Solskjaer told reporters.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 08:39pm

Stocks

TSX opens lower as mining, energy stocks drag

Toronto Stock Exchange's S&P/TSX composite index was down 79.81 points, or 0.42%, at 18,764.76.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 08:35pm

Europe

French drug agency says AstraZeneca vaccine should continue to be used

Denmark, Norway, Iceland and Bulgaria have suspended the use of the shot following reports of blood clots in some people who had been vaccinated.
ANSM said only one case of blood clotting had been found in France after an AstraZeneca shot, and there was no indication that it was linked to the vaccine.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 08:37pm

Sports

Murray to miss Dubai after birth of fourth child

The three-time Grand Slam champion had planned to play in Dubai before the Miami Open which he still intends to play.
Murray, 33, already has two daughters, five-year-old Sophia and three-year-old Edie, and a one-year-old son Teddy.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 08:31pm

USA

US producer prices increase; underlying inflation moderate

Producer price index increases 0.5% in February.
PPI surges 2.8% year-on-year.
Core PPI gains 0.2%; up 2.2% year-on-year.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 08:25pm

Europe

Italy's Draghi says will hike deficit further to support economy

"I will propose to parliament ... a new increase in the deficit," said Draghi, who took office a month ago at the head of a government of national unity. Rome's most recent estimate was for a deficit-to-GDP ratio of 8.8% this year.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 08:23pm

Commodities

Trafigura CEO expects 10mn tonne supply deficit in copper market by 2030

"We see a significant deficit, possibly in the region of 10 million tonnes of additional copper is required to balance the market by 2030," he said.
London copper hit near 10-year highs this week on some near-term supply tightness.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 08:21pm

USA

Mexican industrial output inches up in January, helped by construction

Compared with the same month a year earlier, industrial output fell by 4.9% in January as the coronavirus pandemic continued to weigh, figures from national statistics agency INEGI showed.
A breakdown of the figures showed construction output was up 1.5% month-on-month, but manufacturing activity was down 0.5%.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 08:19pm

Europe

Czech manufacturers bank on COVID tests to avoid a nationwide shutdown of industry

Government wants millions tested a week.
Czech Rep tops global COVID cases per capita.
So far, strategy has avoided factory shutdowns.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 08:17pm

Energy

Oil steady near $70 on hopes of recovering demand

Gasoline demand expected to jump during summer.
US crude output to grow this year, JP Morgan says.
OPEC sees stronger oil demand recovery in second half.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 08:14pm

Football

South African billionaire Motsepe chosen as new head of African football

Motsepe replaces Ahmad Ahmad of Madagascar, who was elected four years ago but suspended last November on corruption charges.
His election was agreed in a deal brokered by FIFA president Gianni Infantino a week before the election, with two of Motsepe's three opponents set to be appointed as CAF vice presidents.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 08:13pm

Europe

EU regulator investigates COVID vaccines for link to bleeding disorder

"It is not yet clear whether there is a causal association between vaccination and the reports of immune thrombocytopenia," EMA said.
The agency said it would assess reports of the condition in people who had received the Pfizer/BioNTech , AstraZeneca or Moderna vaccines.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 08:11pm

Europe

Turkey's Erdogan targets inflation, state finances in economic reform plan

Erdogan unveils eagerly awaited programme.
Survey shows growing inflation pressures.
Lira trims losses as Erdogan speaks.
Central bank expected to raise rates next week.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 08:08pm

Companies

AT&T raises subscriber forecast for HBO Max as streaming booms

The US wireless company previously projected 75 million to 90 million subscribers for the same period.
AT&T expects its HBO business unit revenues to more than double over the next five years.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 08:06pm

Commodities

Brazil govt concerned about rains disrupting second corn crop

Speaking at an online event organized by a bank, Dias reiterated the government's plan to increase Brazil's overall food production in a bid to boost internal supplies and rein in food price inflation.
"It is my perception that perhaps agriculture commodities prices will take another leap," she said.

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 08:08pm

Financial

US equity funds see big jump in inflows on stimulus boost, Lipper says

Investors purchased a net $15.3 billion worth of US equity funds in the week to March 10, compared with just $944 million a week before, data from Refinitiv Lipper showed.
Among equity funds, energy sector funds enjoyed the biggest inflow at $1.1 billion, boosted by higher energy prices. It was the fifth consecutive weekly inflow.

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 08:05pm

Money & Banking

Deutsche Bank CEO's 46pc pay rise prompts backlash

Bonus pool increased by 29%.
Union critical of bonus increase.
Call centre workers strike over wages.
Bank warns of marginally lower revenue in 2021.
Some CEOs at European rivals took pay cuts.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 07:26pm

Forex

Chinese city curbs exporters' forex transactions to slow yuan rally

Since late November, the foreign exchange regulator in the coastal province of Zhejiang has given verbal guidance to commercial banks in the city of Yiwu to only accept customs declaration forms from within the previous year for conversion of dollar receipts into yuan.
Many companies even purchased out-dated customs forms for conversion. The surging demand for conversions into yuan forced the FX regulator to plug the loophole.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 07:23pm

Money & Banking

Kazakhstan's Halyk Bank posts 5.4pc rise in 2020 profit

Its fourth-quarter profit jumped to 108.0 billion tenge from 83.1 billion a year earlier.
Increase in interest income on loans to customers was partly offset by lower interest income on securities as the bank's $912 million foreign exchange swap deal with the central bank ended.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 07:15pm

Pakistan

Govt-backed candidates Sanjrani, Afridi win top posts in Senate

Sanjrani received 48 votes while Gilani secured 42 votes
Senator Sayed Muzafar Hussain Shah, nominated as the presiding officer, supervised the polling process

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 07:23pm

Sports

Man City's Gundogan wins second straight Player of the Month award

Gundogan scored four goals and provided one assist in five appearances as Pep Guardiola's side won each of their six league games to continue their march towards the Premier League title.
"I am very proud to win this award again - but I am most proud of being part of this amazing team," Gundogan, 30, said.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 07:13pm

Industry

Chinese steelmaker HBIS aims to reach carbon emissions peak in 2022

State-owned HBIS follows bigger rival China Baowu Steel Group in setting a 2050 carbon neutral goal. Baowu had said in January it aimed to achieve the feat after reaching peak emissions in 2023.
China, the world's largest steel market and biggest polluter, has vowed to reach a peak in national in carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and become carbon neutral before 2060.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 07:11pm

Companies

Shell's oil trading earnings double in 2020 to $2.6bn

Oil trading helps offset collapse in fuel demand.
Trading accounted for 43% of oil products earnings.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 07:09pm

Africa

'He's OK': Tanzanian envoy denies Magufuli in bad health

Magufuli out of public view since end of February.
Opposition leader says he is in a coma with COVID-19.
Tanzania's envoy to Namibia says Magufuli healthy and working.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 07:05pm

Companies

Repsol makes first delivery of carbon-compensated LNG

Tradeable offset credits aim to balance the planet-warming effects of emissions by supporting projects such as forestation and renewable energy generation sites elsewhere in the world.
Repsol said it had supplied 430 cubic metres of LNG to a 150-metre long chemical tanker owned by Swedish firm Furetank Rederi at a terminal owned by system operator Enagas in southeastern Spain.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 07:04pm

Commodities

China pollution clampdown fuels copper demand concerns

Three-month copper on the London Metal Exchange was down 0.3% at $9,033 a tonne.
The contract has surged 46% since the beginning of 2020, hitting a 9-1/2-year high of $9,617 a tonne in February.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 07:00pm

South Asia

Police to enforce lockdown in India's Nagpur as infections surge

The commercial and logistics hub in Maharashtra state will be the first Indian city to go back into a wholesale lockdown since authorities lifted nationwide curbs in June last year.
"It's a curfew except for the essential services. Hospital and medical shops will be functioning and people going for vaccination will be facilitated," he told Reuters.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 06:56pm

Sports

Wilder leaves relegation-threatened Sheffield United: reports

The Blades have won just four games in the Premier League this season and Saturday's 2-0 home defeat by Southampton left them on 14 points, 12 points adrift of the safety zone with 10 matches to play.
Yet their troubles began towards the end of the COVID-19-hit 2019-20 campaign, when they lost their final three games.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 06:54pm

USA

In China strategy, Biden to meet with leaders of Australia, India, Japan

U.S. President Joe Biden will meet on Friday with the leaders of Australia, India and Japan, a group central to his efforts to counter China’s growing military and economic power.
India and Australia have emphasized the importance of regional security cooperation, which has been boosted by previous lower-level meetings of the four countries.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 06:47pm

South Asia

Indian agency seeks information, documents from Amazon amid probe

Amazon has for several years been under investigation by the agency for possible violation of foreign investment rules. Such probes typically take years in India, and in most cases details are not made public.
On Friday, the senior Enforcement Directorate source told Reuters "obviously we have sought information" from Amazon.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 06:40pm

Europe

Turkey says it has restarted diplomatic contacts with Egypt

Two Egyptian intelligence sources said Turkey had proposed a meeting to discuss cooperation, but suggested the contacts were still only preliminary.
President Tayyip Erdogan said the contacts were "not at the highest level, but right below the highest level. We hope that we can continue this process with Egypt much more strongly."

Published 12 Mar, 2021 06:45pm

Europe

Spain approves 11bn-euro aid package for pandemic-hit companies

The package will also include 3 billion euros to be implemented through voluntary debt restructurings of state-backed loans granted by banks to companies hit by the pandemic - many of them in the key tourism sector - and 1 billion euros will come in the form of capital injections.
The duration and the economic impact of the pandemic increase the risk of over-indebtedness ... By acting at the right moment we will avoid greater costs in the future.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 06:35pm

Europe

Italy to impose nationwide coronavirus lockdown over Easter weekend: draft decree

Non-essential shops will be shuttered nationwide from April 3-5. On those days, Italians will only be allowed to leave their homes for work, health or emergency reasons.
"I hope that this will be the last sacrifice asked of our citizens," said Lombardy President Attilio Fontana.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 06:29pm

Forex

Dollar strengthens, wiping out weekly loss, as US Treasury yields rise again

- Dollar index up 0.5%, reversing week's losses.
Aussie down 0.7%.
There is concern over inflation in the months ahead and that sense is dollar-supportive.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 06:27pm

Commodities

Japan futures end week higher after Biden signs US stimulus bill

Osaka Exchange's rubber contract for August delivery rose 1.3 yen, or 0.5%, to 276 yen per kg, ending the week 2.3% higher.
The rubber contract on the Shanghai futures exchange for May delivery rose 0.7% to finish at 15,265 yuan per tonne.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 06:25pm

Money & Banking

EBRD takes up 50mn euros in Greek power utility bond

PPC, which is 51% owned by the state, on Thursday priced the 650 million euro offering due in 2026 at 3.875%. It has said that proceeds will be used to repay debt and for other corporate purposes.
The issue is linked to specific sustainability targets, with PPC committing to reducing carbon emissions by 40% by the end of 2022.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 06:23pm

Sports

Tuchel says Pulisic part of his plans despite lack of game time

"He is in my plans, he is an important player," Tuchel said before Saturday's trip to Leeds United.
"I hope he stays patient, all of my players are competitors and want to play every single minute and this is what they show every day, the hunger and desire and this is what Christian shows.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 06:21pm

Money & Banking

Indian banks' loans rose 6.6pc y/y in two weeks to Feb 26: central bank

Outstanding loans rose 712.73 billion Indian rupees ($9.79 billion) to 107.75 trillion rupees in the period.
Non-food credit rose 713.55 billion rupees to 107 trillion rupees, while food credit fell 810 million rupees to 752.06 billion rupees.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 06:17pm

Europe

Berlin talking to Washington on COVID vaccines from US

Washington has told the European Union that it should not expect to receive AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines manufactured in the United States any time soon, two EU sources said on Thursday, in a new blow to the bloc's supplies.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 06:15pm

Sports

Man City's Guardiola, Gundogan bag Premier League honours again

Guardiola's side won each of their six league games during February to continue their march towards the Premier League title.
"I am very proud to win this award again - but I am most proud of being part of this amazing team," Gundogan, 30, said.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 06:13pm

Companies

Auto parts maker Holley to merge with blank-check firm in $1.55bn deal

PE firm MidOcean Partners, which formed the blank-check, has also agreed to invest $50 million in the deal through its MidOcean Fund V.
The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2021. Following that, Holley will be listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "HLLY".

Published 12 Mar, 2021 06:02pm

Companies

Tesla in talks with India's Tata Power for EV charging infrastructure: report

Tesla will set up an electric-car manufacturing unit in the southern Indian state of Karnataka.
The talks between Tata Power and Tesla are in the initial stages and no arrangements have been finalised yet, the report said.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 05:56pm

Africa

Kenya extends nationwide COVID-19 curfew for two months

In a televised address, Kenyatta said the positive test rate hit 13% in March compared to January's 2%.
Last year, fellow Kenyans, the Kenyan economy was projected to grow by 6.2%, but it only grew by 0.6% because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 05:54pm

Europe

WHO says its advisory committee looking at AstraZeneca vaccine issues

WHO: AstraZeneca shot is "excellent vaccine".
Says no death linked to COVID-19 vaccines so far.
Chinese vaccines will "probably" be approved in March.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 05:52pm

USA

Brazil retail sales fall in January for third month in a row

The 0.2% monthly fall was slightly less than the 0.3% decline forecast in a Reuters poll of economists, and the 0.3% fall compared with the same month a year earlier was slightly more than the 0.25% fall forecast in the poll.
January's figures followed a 6.2% slump in retail sales in December, the second biggest fall on record.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 05:50pm

Commodities

Gold dips 1pc as US dollar and yields regain footing

Silver heads for biggest weekly rise since mid-February.
Platinum on track to post largest weekly gain in four weeks.
Investors await US Federal Reserve meeting next week.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 05:47pm

Commodities

Asia Gold-More takers as prices dip, Indian premiums rise

Chinese premiums rise to $8-$10/oz.
Higher buying activity in China, Singapore, Japan.
Dealers charged premiums of $6 an ounce over official domestic prices, inclusive of 12.5% import and 3% sales taxes, compared with last week's premium of $5.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 05:45pm

South Asia

Russia backs plans for Afghanistan interim government with the Taliban

On Friday, Russia announced that it backed the Taliban's integration into the future interim government in Afghanistan, as global powers escalated their efforts to secure a long-awaited peace deal.
The Russian Foreign Ministry's comments came as the United States prepares for the fast-approaching May deadline for troop withdrawal, ending its nearly two decades of military involvement in the war-torn country.

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 05:46pm

Commodities

Raw sugar falls, but losses limited by tight supplies

May raw sugar was down 0.9% to 16.21 cents per lb .
May arabica coffee fell 0.7% to $1.3145 per lb, having gained 1.1% on Thursday.
May London cocoa was flat at 1,777 pounds per tonne.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 05:43pm

Pakistan

Polling for Senate chairman, deputy ends

PTI has fielded Sadiq Sanjrani and Mirza Muhammad Afridi, while the joint opposition has nominated Yousaf Raza Gillani and Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri for post of Senate chairman, deputy.
Haideri was the first one to cast his vote.

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 05:45pm

Energy

Oil steady near $70 on hopes of recovering demand

Gasoline demand expected to jump during summer.
US crude output to grow this year, JP Morgan says.
OPEC sees stronger oil demand recovery in second half.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 05:40pm

Stocks

Nasdaq futures fall nearly 2pc as bond yields spike

Futures off: Dow 0.06%, S&P 0.57%, Nasdaq 1.76%.
Nasdaq 100 e-minis were down 230 points, or 1.76%, S&P 500 e-minis were down 22.5 points, or 0.57%, and Dow e-minis were down 18 points, or 0.06%.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 05:38pm

Stocks

TSX futures down as gold prices fall; jobs data awaited

Spot gold fell 1.12%, while gold futures shed 1.28%.
Dow Jones Industrial Average e-mini futures were down 0.02% .

Published 12 Mar, 2021 05:35pm

Stocks

Global stocks, oil edge away from highs as stimulus rally ebbs

MSCI World down 0.2%, pressured by bond yields.
Oil, gold also lower; dollar gains.
Biden signs $1.9 trillion stimulus into law.

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 05:37pm

Stocks

Indian shares close nearly 1pc lower as financials slump; ICICI Bank weighs

The blue-chip NSE Nifty 50 index fell 0.95% to close at 15,030.95, while the benchmark S&P BSE Sensex shed 0.95% to end at 50,792.08.
"At these elevated levels, the (domestic) indexes are exposed to any triggers globally," said Siddhartha Khemka, head of retail research at Motilal Oswal Financial Services in Mumbai.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 05:16pm

Sports

Sharjeel returns as Pakistan name squads for South Africa, Zimbabwe tours

18-player T20I and ODI squads named, 20-player Test side confirmed; 14 players feature in both T20I and ODI sides, eight players earn selectors’ nod across all formats.
Mohammad Hafeez and Shadab Khan return after missing South Africa series, Sharjeel Khan recalled to T20I side; Yasir Shah not available for Zimbabwe Tests due to left knee injury.

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 05:24pm

Business & Finance

Major amendments made in Income Tax (Second Amendment) Act, 2021

A number of amendments have been made into the act, Section 64C and 65C have been omitted, and after Section 65E, Section 65F and Section 65G have been inserted.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 04:14pm

World

Novavax vaccine 96% effective against original coronavirus, 86% vs British variant in UK trial

There were no cases of severe illness or deaths among those who got the vaccine, the company said.
The vaccine was 86% effective in protecting against the more contagious virus variant first discovered and now prevalent in the United Kingdom, for a combined 90% effectiveness rate overall based on data from infections of both versions of the coronavirus.

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 04:07pm

Automobile

Is MG planning to introduce hybrid SUV in Pakistan?

The company tweeted an image of its’ plug-in hybrid variant of HS named MG HS PHEV stating: “This is an automobile that will refine all the values of life!”
The car would have a 1500cc Turbocharged engine as well as a charging port like electric vehicles.

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 03:39pm

World

Denmark, Norway and Iceland suspend use of AstraZeneca COVID vaccine over blood clot concerns

During the current month, at least 22 cases of blood clots have been reported among more than three million people vaccinated in the European Economic Area
AstraZeneca says the safety of the vaccine has been extensively studied in phase III clinical trials and data confirms the vaccine has been generally well tolerated

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 03:17pm

Pakistan

Senate election: Parliamentary committee formed to probe recovery of spy cameras

The committee has been tasked to ensure free, fair and transparent investigation into the matter
New polling booth for the Senate election for the chairman and deputy chairman has been formed

Published 12 Mar, 2021 02:48pm

Automobile

Changan Alsvin price increased up to Rs101,000

The cost of base variant Comfort Manual has remained the same at Rs2,199,000.
The price of Alsvin Comfort DCT has been increased up to Rs50,000, while Rs101,000 increased on Alsvin Lumier.

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 02:51pm

Business & Finance

Sazgar signs agreement with ‘renowned’ Chinese automaker

The company informed that the agreement is for the manufacture/assembly, sales, and after-sales service of passenger and commercial vehicles, which is subject to the approval of relevant government authorities.

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 02:04pm

Perspectives

Sustainable job creation – a potential government strategy

According to the World Bank, there are almost 200 million people out of work across the globe and governments are...

Published 12 Mar, 2021 01:23pm

Pakistan

Alarm over 'third wave' as Pakistan reports almost 3000 COVID-19 cases in a day with positivity ratio reaching 6.5%

2,701 cases and 54 deaths were reported during the past 24 hours.
The country's positivity ratio is 6.5%.

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 01:28pm

Pakistan

Senate polls: Spy cameras placed by opposition to stage drama, says Faraz

Minister says the opposition created an impression that the cameras were deployed by the government
Govt will carry out an in-depth investigation the incident and expose the agents of PPP and PML-N: Faraz

Published 12 Mar, 2021 01:07pm

Pakistan

'Pakistan will pay a huge price', Fawad Chaudhry says after PHC bans TikTok

"I understand most of the judges are unaware of the tech working models, I'll request the Chief Justice of Pakistan to intervene and the Ministry of Science and Technology will work with Judiciary for tech modules for judges," the minister tweeted.
PTA banned the Chinese video-sharing app in Pakistan following PHC's verdict.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 12:50pm

Stocks

Tokyo's Nikkei closes up more than 1.7%

SoftBank Group rallied 3.35 percent to 10,635 yen on bargain-hunting, but Uniqlo casual wear operator Fast Retailing lost 0.13 percent to 94,700 yen.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 12:22pm

Business & Finance

UK economy slumps 2.9% in January on coronavirus curbs

The economy was also 9.0 percent smaller than its pre-pandemic level in February 2020, it added.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 12:19pm

Commodities

Wheat flat; set for second weekly drop as US weather improves

Losses in the soybean market were curbed by South American crop worries.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 12:17pm

Business & Finance

Market expert terms PSX latest nosedive as ‘synchronised’ & ‘coordinated’ sell-off

“I believe this is a synchronised sell-off and it was coordinated. The apex and frontline regulators should look into it,” said Najam Ali CEO Next Capital, while talking to a private channel.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 12:16pm

Energy

CNOOC needs to double down on drilling and deals in carbon-cutting gas pivot

Projects in Australia, East Africa's Mozambique and Russia's Arctic could be on CNOOC's shopping list, analysts said.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 12:10pm

Sports

Brathwaite replaces Holder as West Indies test captain

West Indies will play two tests against Sri Lanka later this month.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 12:05pm

Financial

Philippines secures $900mn in loans from World Bank, ADB for COVID-19 vaccines

Separately, the ADB allotted $400 million for the Philippines, the first recipient of its vaccine access support programme.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 11:51am

Mutual Funds

JGB super-long yields edge lower, all eyes on BOJ meeting

The 10-year JGB yield rose 0.5 basis point to 0.105%.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 11:49am

Companies

Malaysia's January factory output rises 1.2% y/y, above forecast

Manufacturing output rose 3.5% year-on-year in January, the Statistics Department said in a statement.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 11:48am

Energy

Brent crude eases, but stays near $70 as demand optimism lends support

Oil prices sustained at higher levels are expected to draw US producers to increase output, JP Morgan analysts said in their weekly note.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 11:46am

World

Germany's confirmed coronavirus cases rise by 12,834

The reported death toll rose by 252 to 73,062, the tally showed.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 11:45am

Pakistan

Gilani claims he has already won Senate chairman slot

Gilani says parliamentarians do not have confidence in the prime minister which was a benefit for him in winning the Senate seat
PTI's Sadiq Sanjrani and Mirza Muhammad Afridi and the joint opposition’s Yousaf Raza Gillani and Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri will be contesting for the slots of Senate chairman and deputy chairman

Published 12 Mar, 2021 11:45am

Sports

FA apologises for timing of Olympic squad omission calls

Birmingham manager Carla Ward criticised the timing of the FA's calls.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 11:41am

Commodities

Benchmark iron ore futures head for weekly declines on demand worries

He said there is now "greater long-term risk to Chinese iron ore demand given the government wants to cut steel capacity and move towards scrap-intensive electric arc furnace production".

Published 12 Mar, 2021 11:39am

Business & Finance

SBP waives off cash margin requirement on industrial items

“Banks are further clarified that cash margin requirement will not be applicable on the imports made under HS Code 87021090 (Others) by Category-A and Category-B investors as defined in the Automotive Development Policy, 2016-2021,” said SBP.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 11:40am

Commodities

London copper dips as demand growth slows, supply weighs

The premium of LME cash copper over the three-month contract fell to $11.50 a tonne, its lowest since Feb. 11, suggesting that the nearby supply tightness has eased.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 11:38am

Stocks

Philippine shares set for worst week in six on virus spike, recovery concerns

The Taiwan dollar, South Korean won and the Indonesian rupiah gained between 0.1% and 0.3%.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 11:35am

Sports

US Open, Canada Open cancelled due to COVID-19

The cancellations come in the wake of Badminton Asia's decision to postpone its flagship competition, the Badminton Asia Championships, which were to serve as an Olympic qualifying event.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 11:33am

Commodities

Palm set for best week in 5-1/2 years on tight supply, firm soyoil

Dalian's most-active soyoil contract rose 1.72%, while its palm oil contract gained 3.25%. Soyoil prices on the Chicago Board of Trade were up 0.4%.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 11:31am

Commodities

US white wheat growers cash in as China snaps up supplies

"That is more than usual. But we have had a pretty good run-up in prices," said Kress, who grows about 3,000 acres (12 square kilometers) of wheat each year in southeast Idaho.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 11:29am

World

Sanofi, Translate Bio launch human trial of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine

Global coronavirus infections have exceeded 118 million. Highly transmissible variants of the virus are prompting governments to speed up vaccination.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 11:28am

Stocks

Asian stocks up on dovish ECB as Biden signs stimulus

Oil prices retreated from sharp gains as the dollar firmed, with US crude dipping 0.41% to $65.75 a barrel.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 11:26am

World

Japan vaccine chief says to use six-dose syringes from mid-April

Most of Japan's stock of syringes consists of regular versions that can draw just five doses from each vial, sparking fears that millions of doses could be wasted.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 11:24am

Stocks

Australia shares end higher on US jobs data, stimulus boost

Woodside Petroleum added 1.4%, while Santos Ltd gained 0.7%.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 11:23am

Forex

South Africa's rand falls but set for weekly gains

But indications from the Federal Reserve that it would tolerate the bond spike, and slower price-growth, have calmed those fears.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 11:20am

Bullion Rate

Gold slips off 1-week peak as bond yields bounce back

A $1.9 trillion US COVID-19 relief bill was also approved on Wednesday.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 11:18am

Mutual Funds

Australian 3-year bond yields hit record low, A$ at 1-week high

Investor attention next week will be on a speech by RBA's Lowe on Monday, followed by the RBA minutes of its March 2 policy meeting on Tuesday.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 11:16am

Forex

Canadian dollar post biggest gain in 7 weeks as Wall Street jumps

Canada's jobs report for February is due on Friday.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 11:13am

Forex

Brazil's real set for biggest weekly rise in 2021 as data cements rate hike case

The bank's FX swaps intervention this year now stands at $7 billion. It has also sold $5.58 billion in the FX spot market, all in the last few weeks.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 11:12am

Forex

Dollar steadies from one-week lows as bond yields tick up

The oil-linked Canadian dollar was slightly lower at C$1.25 after rising for three straight sessions.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 11:10am

Forex

Safe-haven dollar wallows near one-week low as bond yields retreat

On Thursday, the European Central Bank said it was ready to accelerate money-printing to keep eurozone yields down.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 11:05am

Power surcharge bill passed by NA body

ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Standing Committee on Power on Thursday empowered the Federal Government to increase...

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 11:07am

Stocks

Australian shares rise as US jobs data, stimulus spur global recovery bets

In New Zealand, the benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index was up 0.5% 12,327.4.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 11:04am

Stocks

Australia shares set to open higher, NZ flat

New Zealand's benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index was almost flat by 2120 GMT.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 11:03am

Forex

Yuan briefly hits one-week high, market awaits Fed and Sino-US meeting next week

Chinese diplomats will meet with US officials in Alaska on March 18 and 19, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman said on Thursday.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 11:01am

Mutual Funds

China bond markets barely blink on glut of local govt issuance

China set the special LGB issuance quota at 3.65 trillion yuan for 2021, from 3.75 trillion yuan last year.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 10:59am

Stocks

Indian shares set for second week of gains as financials rise; IDBI Bank surges

The Nifty Bank Index rose 0.91% and is up more than 17% since February. HDFC Bank Ltd was the top boost to the Nifty 50, rising 1.7%.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 10:57am

Companies

Sasol says unit's dollar-denominated notes offering oversubscribed more than 3 times

The offering consisted of $650 million of senior notes due 2026 and $850 million of senior notes due 2031 with an annual interest rate of 4.375% and 5.50%, respectively, it said.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 10:56am

World

South Korea says will suspend defence exchanges with Myanmar, reconsider aid

Ban the export of arms or other strategic items and reconsider its development aid to Myanmar over the ongoing unrest after a military coup.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 10:53am

Commodities

CBOT soybeans neutral in $14.04-1/2 to $14.20-1/2 range

Signals on the daily chart are a bit bearish as well, as the contract is zigzagging up in a rising channel, which suggests a further drop into $13.76-3/4 to $13.95 range.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 10:51am

Financial

Argentina inflation 3.6% in February, in line with forecasts

Rolling 12-month inflation was clocked at 40.7% in the month, the INDEC statistics agency added.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 10:49am

Stocks

Most Asia markets track Wall St record as Biden signs stimulus

Observers said the ECB move signalled to investors that bank officials around the world were ready to step in to keep their monetary policies ultra-low for as long as needed to help the economy get back on track.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 10:47am

Technology

China eyes record monopoly fine near $1bn for Alibaba: report

An Alibaba spokesperson declined to comment on the report when contacted by AFP.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 10:45am

World

Thailand delays AstraZeneca vaccine roll-out

The Sinovac shipment arrived with huge fanfare at Bangkok's airport, with a Chinese embassy official vowing that the vaccine export showed the "strengthened relations between China and Thailand".

Published 12 Mar, 2021 10:43am

World

China says legal moves on Hong Kong a 'combination of punches' to end chaos

The legal moves "are actually a combination of punches to effectively manage the ongoing chaos", Zhang Xiaoming, a top official of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 10:42am

Stocks

Hong Kong stocks slightly down at break

The Hang Seng Index dipped 0.25 percent, or 73.73 points, to 29,311.88.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 10:41am

Stocks

Hong Kong stocks open higher

The Hang Seng Index rose 0.56 percent, or 164.76 points to 29,550.37.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 10:38am

Stocks

Tokyo stocks open higher on ECB, US stimulus

The dollar fetched 108.55 yen in early Asian trade, against 108.53 yen in New York late Thursday.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 10:36am

Sports

US PGA Tour Players Championship scores

Matthew Fitzpatrick (ENG), Corey Conners (CAN), Shane Lowry (IRL)

Published 12 Mar, 2021 10:34am

World

Biden to end Covid vaccine priority group restrictions by May 1: US official

He will direct states that no later than May 1.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 10:33am

Financial

Swiss bank Rahn+Bodmer admits to tax evasion in US probe

Rahn+Bodmer is accused of helping clients in the United States conceal assets and money and file false returns to evade taxes between 2004 and 2012.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 10:32am

Sports

Federer withdraws from Dubai after Qatar exit

Federer has already said he will skip the opening Masters event of the season in Miami later this month.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 10:30am

Stocks

Global stocks hit records as ECB fires bazooka, US stimulus enacted

"As soon as the statement was released, bonds rallied, causing yields to drop and stocks to hit new highs," noted market analyst Fawad Razaqzada at ThinkMarkets.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 10:28am

Business & Finance

FBR issues Sales Tax General Orders for specified sectors

As per FBR, these laws mandate FBR to notify the date for the implementation of Electronic Monitoring of productions and sales of goods in the manner prescribed in the law on all manufacturing sites (unless otherwise provided) of all the notified sectors.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 10:26am

Technology

Large asteroid to pass by Earth on March 21: NASA

NASA said more than 95 percent of near-Earth asteroids the size of 2001 FO32 or larger have been catalogued and none of them has any chance of impacting our planet over the next century.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 10:25am

World

Mauritanian ex-president Aziz charged with corruption

The prosecutor Ahmedou Ould Abdallahi said he did not ask the judge to place Aziz in custody because the case against him is likely to be lengthy.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 10:17am

World

EU threatens China with 'additional steps' over Hong Kong vote

"In light of this most recent decision, the European Union will consider taking additional steps and pay increased attention to the situation in Hong Kong."

Published 12 Mar, 2021 10:15am

World

Novavax Covid vaccine highly effective against severe Covid: company

The results announced Thursday were from final analyses, following interim results that were announced in late January.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 10:13am

World

EU approves Johnson & Johnson Covid vaccine

The EU has so far approved three vaccines -- Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca-Oxford. Three other vaccines are under "rolling review" by the Amsterdam-based EMA -- Novavax, CureVac and Russia's Sputnik.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 10:12am

Business & Finance

US stimulus offers 'significant' boost to global economy: IMF

However, he cautioned that with low interest rates, policymakers worldwide should be on the alert for a sudden shift in borrowing costs.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 10:10am

World

Spain declares delivery riders to be staff, in EU first

MADRID: Spain’s government announced Thursday a deal that will recognise riders working for delivery firms such as...

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 10:09am

World

Nine killed in Myanmar as junta accuses Suu Kyi of taking illegal payments

YANGON: Nine protesters were shot dead in Myanmar Thursday as the junta reacted to international condemnation of its...

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 10:09am

World

US stimulus offers ‘significant’ boost to global economy: IMF

WASHINGTON: US President Joe Biden’s massive stimulus program is expected to boost US economic growth and also ...

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 10:09am

World

Two sailors die after cargo ship sinks

BUCHAREST: Two Ukrainian sailors died and a third went missing when a cargo ship sank in the Black Sea off Romania ...

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 10:09am

World

US warship transits Taiwan Strait after admiral’s China invasion warning

TAIPEI: A US warship sailed through the Taiwan Strait, the American navy said Thursday, a day after a top US...

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 10:09am

World

AstraZeneca jab faces suspensions as world marks pandemic anniversary

THE HAGUE: Several countries suspended the use of AstraZeneca’s vaccine on Thursday over blood clot fears,...

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 10:09am

World

India sees worst Covid-19 increase since Christmas

BENGALURU/MUMBAI: India reported its worst single-day increase in COVID-19 cases since late December on Thursday, as...

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 10:09am

World

US weekly jobless claims at four-month low; labour market slowly improving

WASHINGTON: The number of Americans filing new claims for jobless benefits dropped to a four-month low last week as...

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 10:09am

World

UN chief warns of risk of famine for millions around the world

UNITED NATIONS: Millions of people around the world risk dying of hunger and the Covid-19 pandemic and climate ...

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 10:08am

Pakistan

Senate chairman election: PML-N senators receiving ‘anonymous’ phone calls: Maryam

LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) senators are receiving ‘anonymous’ phone calls asking not to vote...

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 10:08am

Pakistan

LDA City: Chinese co-led consortium to construct Naya Pakistan apartments

LAHORE: A Chinese company-led consortium is set to construct Naya Pakistan apartments in LDA City as the Lahore...

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 10:08am

Pakistan

Coronavirus positivity rate surges to 7.51pc in Punjab

LAHORE: As many as 33 more coronavirus patients lost their lives across Punjab during the last 24 hours taking the...

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 10:08am

Pakistan

Report on procurement sought

ISLAMABAD: A sub-committee of Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Thursday sought report on procurement of Rs205...

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 10:08am

Pakistan

SHC suspends jail term of ex-senator in fake degree case

HYDERABAD: The Sindh High Court (SHC) suspended on Thursday the Badin District and Sessions court’s verdict that...

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 10:08am

Pakistan

Experts warn of hunger, poverty due to climate change

KARACHI: The world has only 10 years to bring a radical turn to their economies and social structures to cope with a...

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 10:08am

Pakistan

Promotion of livestock, agriculture helps eradicate poverty: minister

HYDERABAD: Provin-cial Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Engineer Abdul Bari Pitafi has said that real ...

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 10:08am

Pakistan

4th Sindh Literature Festival begins today

KARACHI: A three-day fourth Sindh Literature Festival (SLF) which is being jointly organised by the Sindh Literary...

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 10:08am

Pakistan

Railways launches ‘Premium Container Train’ with online booking

KARACHI: In an unprecedented development aimed at modernising its freight service, Pakistan Railways (PR) on ...

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 10:08am

Pakistan

Target-killers network unearthed in Karachi

KARACHI: Rangers and Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) Karachi in a joint operation have unearthed a network of...

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 10:08am

Pakistan

Emergency response department: KMC inks MoU with Sindh Police

KARACHI: Administrator Karachi Laeeq Ahmed on Thursday said that to uplift Karachi Metropolitan Corporation’s...

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 10:08am

Pakistan

Charges of clubs don’t fall under purview of Sales Tax on Services Act, 2011

KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Thursday ruled that monthly and annual membership/entrance fee and...

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 10:08am

Pakistan

SCB launches agri-entrepreneur programme

KARACHI: Standard Chartered Bank has launched an agri-entrepreneur programme in Pakistan to support young people...

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 10:08am

Pakistan

PTI expels two MPAs over violation of party discipline

KARACHI: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Sindh wing on Thursday has expelled its MPAs Muhammad Aslam Abro and ...

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 10:08am

Pakistan

IHC defers misconduct proceedings against 21 lawyers

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday deferred the misconduct proceedings against 21 lawyers for...

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 10:08am

Pakistan

PC Board reviews progress on sell-offs of various entities

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Privatization, Mohammedmian Soomro Thursday chaired the Privatization Board ...

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 10:08am

Pakistan

Four trucks loaded with counterfeit cigarettes seized

ISLAMABAD: The joint efforts of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and Azad Kashmir tax authorities has resulted in...

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 10:08am

Telecom sector gets status of industry thru relief package

• Govt decides to increase IT exports to $5bn by 2023 ISLAMABAD: The government Thursday announced a...

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 10:08am

Pakistan

Bid to smuggle narcotics from Afghanistan foiled

ISLAMABAD: Model Customs Collectorate, Appraisement & Facilitation, Peshawar has foiled an attempt to smuggle...

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 10:08am

Pakistan

NA speaker takes notice of scuffle outside Parliament

ISLAMABAD: Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser has taken notice of the scuffle involving Pakistan Muslim...

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 10:08am

Pakistan

NA panel approves 3 govt-sponsored bills

ISLAMABAD: A meeting of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Maritime Affairs Thursday approved three...

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 10:08am

Pakistan

National Accreditation Council for Technical and Vocational Stream established

ISLAMABAD: National Vocational and Technical Training Commission has established National Accreditation Council for...

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 10:08am

Pakistan

Cheques distributed

LAHORE: A ceremony was held at the Al-Hamra Arts Council on Thursday to distribute cheques of grants in aid to...

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 10:07am

Pakistan

Bilawal ‘explains’ why he supported Sanjrani in 2018

ISLAMABAD: Chairman Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Thursday alleged that his party...

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 10:07am

Pakistan

Opposition senators receiving threatening calls: PPP

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) on Thursday claimed that opposition senators are receiving threatening...

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 10:07am

Pakistan

AC adjourns hearing of Toshakhana case till 18th

ISLAMABAD: The Accountability Court on Wednesday adjourned hearing of Toshakhana case involving former president ...

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 10:07am

Pakistan

Govt wants to bring reforms to ensure fair elections: Shibli

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Shibli Faraz on Thursday said the government wants to...

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 10:07am

Pakistan

APNS expresses concern over govts media policies

KARACHI: The All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) expressed its grave concern over the disastrous effects of the...

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 10:07am

Pakistan

Elahi reiterates support to Sanjrani

LAHORE: Speaker Punjab Assembly Ch Pervez Elahi called on Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar, here on ...

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 10:07am

Pakistan

Barrister Maleeka selected WEFYGL for 5 years

ISLAMABAD: Parliam-entary Secretary for Law and Justice Barrister Maleeka Bokhari has been selected as World ...

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 10:07am

Pakistan

Ehsaas Programme: Various components dedicated to empowering women: Sania

ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection Dr Sania Nishtar on...

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 10:07am

Pakistan

Sustainable Development Goals: Higher broadband connectivity, financial resources needed: Munir

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Munir Akram Thursday said developing Islamic...

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 10:07am

Pakistan

PM to have authority designating principal accounting officer

ISLAMABAD: The Prime Minister shall have the authority to designate any officer as principal accounting officer on...

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 10:07am

Pakistan

PM orders secretaries to visit Balochistan every month

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday directed all federal secretaries to visit Balochistan to monitor ...

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 10:07am

Pakistan

Educational institutions closed in Peshawar for two weeks

PESHAWAR: Education Minister, Sharam Khan Tarakai announced on Thursday that all primary and elementary schools will...

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 10:07am

Life & Style

Aaj TV - Friday's schedule

All timings are in PST (Pakistan Standard Time) 06:00 NEWS HOUR 06:25 HEADLINE NEWS 06:30 NEWS HOUR 06:55 HEADLINE...

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 10:07am

Access to TikTok app blocked

ISLAMABAD: The government has blocked access to TikTok app in Pakistan in compliance with the Peshawar High Court...

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 10:07am

Corporate income tax exemptions: Withdrawal causes Rs10bn revenue impact

ISLAMABAD: The withdrawal of corporate income tax exemptions available to the industrial undertakings under section...

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 10:07am

Netanyahu shelves UAE trip

OCCUPIED JERUSA-LEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cancelled a historic visit to the United Arab ...

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 10:07am

Captive Power Plants: APTMA requests govt to revisit its gas moratorium decision

ISLAMABAD: All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) has approached Prime Minister Imran Khan requesting him to...

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 10:07am

Rs51bn increase in consumer car financing seen

KARACHI: The consumer car financing has witnessed a significant rise of Rs51 billion amid attractive interest rates...

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 10:06am

China moves to overhaul Hong Kong politics

BEIJING/HONG KONG: China's parliament approved on Thursday a draft decision to change Hong Kong's electoral system,...

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 10:06am

Senate to elect chairman, deputy chairman today

ISLAMABAD: The Upper House of the Parliament is going to elect its chairman and deputy chairman while 48...

Updated 12 Mar, 2021 10:06am

Perspectives

Success lies in going the extra mile, giving more than what customers expect: Salman Hussain

"Ma’sha’Allah we are a significant part of multiple industries and our products are consumed by businesses belonging to various industries and also individuals."
"We recently celebrated deployment of 50,000 tracking units. We reached this feat in just 2 years which is a record in this industry. We consider this a testament of our top-notch services."

Published 12 Mar, 2021 09:30am

Telecommunication

Netflix's new test will crack down on password sharers

Netflix has introduced a new test to crack down on password sharing practices.
The company will ask users to verify if they are account owners by sending them an email or text code; those who fail to verify could not stream Netflix content anymore.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 07:52am

Companies

GM enters new battery partnership to improve EV range and lower cost

General Motors (GM) enters a new battery partnership with SolidEnergy Systems (SES) to enhance the energy density in its lithium-ion batteries.

Published 12 Mar, 2021 07:30am

BR Research

Interview with Dr Tauqir Ahmad – Founder and CEO of LARC

“Aim to deliver high quality treatments at an affordable price.” Dr. Tauqir Ahmad is the founder and CEO of...

Published 12 Mar, 2021 07:45am

BR Research

On global digital tax

For years now, developed countries have been divided over how to regulate the big tech. Whether and how to tax...

Published 12 Mar, 2021 07:40am

BR Research

The bell tolls for thee

“No man is an island,” said English poet and cleric, John Dunne a long time ago. He finished this thought with:...

Published 12 Mar, 2021 07:35am

BR Research

Fuel adjustments to get dearer

Another 90 paisas per unit have been approved as monthly Fuel Charges Adjustment (FCA) for January 2021, continuing...

Published 12 Mar, 2021 07:30am

BR Research

Wheat MSP: should Centre call Sindh’s bluff?

In January 2021, Pakistan recorded lowest food inflation level in nearly two years. While many - correctly –...

Published 12 Mar, 2021 07:25am

Rates.SBP

State Bank of Pakistan conversion rates

KARACHI: Rates applicable for conversion into rupees of Foreign Currency Deposits, Dollar Bearer Certificates,...