BR100 Decreased By (-1.08%)
BR30 Decreased By (-1.33%)
KSE100 Decreased By (-0.64%)
KSE30 Decreased By (-0.81%)
BECO 5.32 Decreased By ▼ -0.11 (-2.03%)
BML 55.27 Decreased By ▼ -0.42 (-0.75%)
BOP 35.00 Decreased By ▼ -0.38 (-1.07%)
CNERGY 8.16 Decreased By ▼ -0.04 (-0.49%)
DCL 11.40 Decreased By ▼ -0.15 (-1.3%)
FCCL 57.51 Decreased By ▼ -0.85 (-1.46%)
FCSC 5.00 Decreased By ▼ -0.12 (-2.34%)
FFL 17.66 Decreased By ▼ -0.18 (-1.01%)
FNEL 1.23 Decreased By ▼ -0.02 (-1.6%)
HUMNL 10.90 Decreased By ▼ -0.17 (-1.54%)
KEL 8.56 Decreased By ▼ -0.19 (-2.17%)
KOSM 6.47 Decreased By ▼ -0.22 (-3.29%)
MLCF 106.59 Decreased By ▼ -0.56 (-0.52%)
NBP 199.00 Decreased By ▼ -2.73 (-1.35%)
PACE 11.06 Decreased By ▼ -0.24 (-2.12%)
PAEL 44.95 Increased By ▲ 0.46 (1.03%)
PIAHCLA 28.37 Decreased By ▼ -1.04 (-3.54%)
PIBTL 18.28 Decreased By ▼ -0.36 (-1.93%)
PPL 243.50 Decreased By ▼ -4.48 (-1.81%)
PRL 34.91 Decreased By ▼ -0.38 (-1.08%)
PTC 65.25 Decreased By ▼ -0.89 (-1.35%)
SEARL 94.00 Decreased By ▼ -1.49 (-1.56%)
SSGC 30.75 Decreased By ▼ -1.29 (-4.03%)
TELE 8.69 Decreased By ▼ -0.18 (-2.03%)
THCCL 64.86 Decreased By ▼ -1.75 (-2.63%)
TPLP 10.22 Decreased By ▼ -0.35 (-3.31%)
TREET 25.04 Decreased By ▼ -0.26 (-1.03%)
TRG 63.15 Decreased By ▼ -1.25 (-1.94%)
WAVES 10.64 Decreased By ▼ -0.26 (-2.39%)
WTL 1.25 Decreased By ▼ -0.01 (-0.79%)
اردو
Android App
Print Edition Dollar to PKR
Budget 2026-27 Iran-US war Petrol Prices Gold Rates Podcasts PSX Notices
Archive - 2021-04-06
Australia, NZ dollars aided by strong global data as RBA sounds upbeat
Forex

Australia, NZ dollars aided by strong global data as RBA sounds upbeat

  • The Aussie held at $0.7640 and well above last week's three-month low of $0.7533. Bulls need to crack resistance at $0.7664 to keep the rally going, while the major target for bears is the 200-day moving average down at $0.7396.
  • The kiwi dollar stood at $0.7050 and off its recent four-month trough at $0.6944. Resistance lies around $0.7095/7100 ahead of $0.7135/50, which is where the currency was trading before a sharp retreat in mid-March.
Updated 06 Apr, 2021 07:30pm
South Africa signs deal for 20mn Pfizer COVID-19 doses
Companies

South Africa signs deal for 20mn Pfizer COVID-19 doses

  • The deal is another fillip for the country worst hit by COVID-19 infections in Africa as it adds to the 31 million single-shot doses from Johnson & Johnson which the government approved on Thursday.
  • The country has also been allocated 12 million shots under the World Health Organization's COVAX scheme and is likely to get doses for 10 million people from the African Union's AVATT initiative.
Updated 06 Apr, 2021 07:29pm
Israel should not extend unpaid leave job benefits, central bank chief says
Money & Banking

Israel should not extend unpaid leave job benefits, central bank chief says

  • "Don't extend them," Yaron told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu when he delivered the Bank of Israel's annual report. "Let people understand they need to return to the employment cycle."
  • Israel's economy shrank 2.5% in 2020 due to the virus, but Yaron said Israel's performance was decent versus other countries due to strong high-tech exports.
Updated 06 Apr, 2021 07:29pm
Philippines reports record 382 coronavirus deaths
South Asia

Philippines reports record 382 coronavirus deaths

  • The health ministry said total confirmed cases have increased to 812,760, after 9,373 infections were reported on Tuesday. Deaths have reached 13,817. "There were 341 deaths prior to April 2021 that went unreported," the ministry said.
Updated 06 Apr, 2021 07:29pm
Foreign tourism to Spain slumps 93.6pc in February amid COVID curbs
Europe

Foreign tourism to Spain slumps 93.6pc in February amid COVID curbs

  • International tourism to Spain plunged 80% to 19 million visitors last year - the lowest since 1969 - as coronavirus curbs took their toll.
  • Spain received 284,311 foreign tourists in February, 34.6% less than in January. International tourism revenues dropped 93.3% year on year in February, putting many business in jeopardy.
Updated 06 Apr, 2021 07:29pm
Valneva's COVID-19 shot set for Phase Three trial this month
Europe

Valneva's COVID-19 shot set for Phase Three trial this month

  • The vaccine, Valneva said, was "generally safe and well tolerated across all dose groups tested, with no safety concerns identified by an independent Data Safety Monitoring Board".
  • "Based on the data assessed, the company has decided to advance the high dose into the phase 3 clinical trial. Other trials, including booster trials, involving antigen sparing doses will also be evaluated," Valneva said.
Updated 06 Apr, 2021 07:29pm
Global COVID-19 death toll surpasses 3 million amid new infections resurgence
Europe

Global COVID-19 death toll surpasses 3 million amid new infections resurgence

  • According to a Reuters tally, it took more than a year for the global coronavirus death toll to reach 2 million. The next 1 million deaths were added in about three months.
  • India reported a record rise in COVID-19 infections on Monday, becoming the second nation after the United States to post more than 100,000 new cases in a day.
Updated 06 Apr, 2021 07:29pm
Abu Dhabi outperforms major Gulf markets
Stocks

Abu Dhabi outperforms major Gulf markets

  • In Abu Dhabi, the index rose 1.3%, on track to extend gains for an eight consecutive session, boosted by a 13.6% rise in International Holding.
  • Saudi Arabia's benchmark index edged up 0.3%, with Advanced Petrochemical jumping more than 5%, after it reported strong quarterly earnings.
Updated 06 Apr, 2021 07:29pm
Rouble steadies after taking a hit from geopolitical concerns
Forex

Rouble steadies after taking a hit from geopolitical concerns

  • Rouble was little changed on the day at 76.37 against the dollar after falling to 76.74 on Monday, its weakest since March 24.
  • "We think the rouble will likely remain near current levels until some sort of clarity emerges on the geopolitical front," Sberbank CIB said in a note.
Updated 06 Apr, 2021 07:29pm
Italy Feb jobless rate edges down to 10.2pc, with employment level broadly stable
Europe

Italy Feb jobless rate edges down to 10.2pc, with employment level broadly stable

  • In the December-to-February period some 277,000 jobs were lost compared with the three months from September-to-November last year, ISTAT said, a fall of 1.2%.
  • The statistics institute said that since February 2020, when the coronavirus first started to batter Italy, some 945,000 jobs had been lost, a decline of 4.1% in the number of people in work.
Updated 06 Apr, 2021 07:29pm
Euro zone bond yields edge up after US jobs data
Financial

Euro zone bond yields edge up after US jobs data

  • That pushed US Treasury yields higher across the curve on Friday, and as much as 6 basis points on five-year Treasuries.
  • "Thanks to yesterday's decline in US Treasury yields, any upward pressure on Bund yields stemming from spillover effects is likely to be limited," UniCredit analysts told clients.
Updated 06 Apr, 2021 07:29pm
ANP parts ways with PDM over show-cause notice issue
Pakistan

ANP parts ways with PDM over show-cause notice issue

  • Hoti says PDM is being used by some parties for their 'personal agenda' and ANP cannot become a part of such a movement
  • PDM had issued show-cause notices to ANP and PPP seeking explanation why they sought support from government senators in the election of the opposition leader in the Senate
Updated 06 Apr, 2021 07:16pm
Israeli President nominates Netanyahu to try and form government
Middle East

Israeli President nominates Netanyahu to try and form government

  • On Tuesday, Israel's President nominated Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to form a government, adding that no party leader has sufficient support to form a majority coalition.
  • Netanyahu holds the most support — 52 seats — in Israel's Knesset, but that is still short of a 61-seat majority.
Updated 06 Apr, 2021 06:09pm
Researchers develop 'roboplants' to detect abnormalities in crops
World

Researchers develop 'roboplants' to detect abnormalities in crops

  • Scientists say the hi-tech system will prove useful as crops face increasing threats from climate change
  • With the use of this technology, farmers will be able to find out when a disease is in progress, even before full-blown symptoms appear on the crops
Updated 06 Apr, 2021 01:34pm
Taiwan tenders for 96,485 tonnes wheat of US-origin
Commodities

Taiwan tenders for 96,485 tonnes wheat of US-origin

  • The tender seeks a range of different wheat types in two consignments for shipment from the US Pacific Northwest coast.
  • One consignment of 45,505 tonnes is sought for shipment between May 29 and June 12. A second consignment of 50,980 tonnes is sought for shipment between June 15 and June 29.
Published 06 Apr, 2021 01:08pm
UK new car sales rise around 11pc in key selling month of March
Industry

UK new car sales rise around 11pc in key selling month of March

  • The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said registrations rose 11% compared with the first month of last year's lockdown, but they were still down around 37% below the average for 2010-2019.
  • Many dealers have been using "click and collect" and delivery services to continue to operate as showrooms remain closed to the public.
Published 06 Apr, 2021 01:04pm
Absence of fans will help Real Madrid against Liverpool: Benitez
Sports

Absence of fans will help Real Madrid against Liverpool: Benitez

  • Liverpool face Madrid in Spain later on Tuesday before next week's return fixture at Anfield, where the Merseyside club have struggled in the Premier League this season, with matches taking place without fans due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Benitez, who managed Liverpool from 2004 to 2010 and had a short spell at Madrid, said it was crucial the English side get a goal in the first leg.
Published 06 Apr, 2021 12:57pm
Copper climbs to 2-week high as top producer Chile shuts borders
Commodities

Copper climbs to 2-week high as top producer Chile shuts borders

  • Three-month copper on the London Metal Exchange climbed as much as 3.6% to $9,104 a tonne, its highest since March 23.
  • The most-traded May copper contract on the Shanghai Futures Exchange also hit its highest in two weeks, advancing as much as 2.3% to 67,670 yuan ($10,330.82) a tonne.
Published 06 Apr, 2021 12:53pm
Ukraine wheat flour exports fall to 10-year low
Commodities

Ukraine wheat flour exports fall to 10-year low

  • The previous lowest export level was in January 2011, when Ukraine exported 3,445 tonnes of wheat flour.
  • Ukrainian wheat export prices rocketed in the first half of the 2020/21 July-June season and exceeded $300 per tonne in January.
Published 06 Apr, 2021 12:51pm
BE Semiconductor's Q1 orders more than double amid surging demand
Industry

BE Semiconductor's Q1 orders more than double amid surging demand

  • The group, which makes equipment for chipmakers, said in a statement it had booked record orders of 327 million euros ($386.12 million) for the quarter, up 108% from the previous quarter and 176% from the same quarter of 2020.
  • The shortage comes as carmakers, which shut plants during the COVID-19 pandemic last year, compete against the sprawling consumer electronics industry for chip supplies.
Published 06 Apr, 2021 12:46pm
Rescuers hunt for survivors after cyclone wreaks havoc in Indonesia
South Asia

Rescuers hunt for survivors after cyclone wreaks havoc in Indonesia

  • Helicopters were deployed to aid the search for survivors among 72 people reported missing so far in the East Nusa Tenggara islands, where tropical cyclone Seroja brought strong winds and heavy rains that triggered flash floods and landslides.
  • "Seroja is the first time we're seeing tremendous impact because it hit the land. It's not common," she told a news conference.
Published 06 Apr, 2021 12:40pm
Business among German carmakers picks up speed in March
Companies

Business among German carmakers picks up speed in March

  • The survey's indicator for the current business situation rose to 7.9 points in March from -0.4 in February, as carmakers filled up their order books and ramped up production.
  • "Spring has arrived for carmakers," said Ifo's Klaus Wohlrabe.
Published 06 Apr, 2021 12:38pm
Taiwan's Acer sees global chip shortage gradually easing
Industry

Taiwan's Acer sees global chip shortage gradually easing

  • From delayed car deliveries to a supply shortfall in home appliances to costlier smartphones, businesses and consumers across the globe are facing the brunt of an unprecedented shortage in semiconductor microchips.
  • Originally concentrated in the auto industry, the shortage has now spread to a range of other consumer electronics, including smartphones, refrigerators and microwaves.
Published 06 Apr, 2021 12:22pm
Palm oil rises over 1pc tracking soyoil, improving exports
Commodities

Palm oil rises over 1pc tracking soyoil, improving exports

  • The benchmark palm oil contract for June delivery on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange rose 51 ringgit, or 1.36%, to 3,790 ringgit ($917.23) a tonne by the midday break.
  • The recent rally in futures also supported the cash market prices to balloon and keep crude palm oil import margins in positive territory.
Published 06 Apr, 2021 12:18pm
Indonesian rupiah should strengthen on growth outlook, low inflation
Forex

Indonesian rupiah should strengthen on growth outlook, low inflation

  • "It is our duty at BI to try stabilising the rupiah and steer it toward its fundamental value," deputy governor Dody Budi Waluyo said, adding that the rupiah weakness was a spillover effect of US fiscal policies.
  • He said while BI keeps it policies loose to support growth, the central bank will prevent any sharp movements in inflation and rupiah exchange.
Published 06 Apr, 2021 12:16pm
France to become biggest Air France shareholder with capital hike
Companies

France to become biggest Air France shareholder with capital hike

  • The French government will convert a 3 billion euro loan extended to the group last year into a hybrid instrument and commit up to an additional 1 billion euros to a planned share issue, raising its stake in Air France-KLM to almost 30%.
  • "This will make the state Air France's biggest shareholder," French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said on France Inter radio, calling the move a "sign of commitment" to the airline and its French jobs.
Published 06 Apr, 2021 12:14pm
BP expects to hit $35 billion net debt target in first quarter
Companies

BP expects to hit $35 billion net debt target in first quarter

  • The company, which had a debt pile of $39 billion at the end of 2020, had earlier expected to reduce its debt to $35 billion around the fourth quarter of 2021 or first quarter of 2022.
  • The London-based company said on Tuesday it expects sale proceeds in 2021 to be at the top end of its existing $4 billion to $6 billion range.
Published 06 Apr, 2021 12:11pm
Iran, US to hold indirect nuclear talks in Vienna
South Asia

Iran, US to hold indirect nuclear talks in Vienna

  • Iran has steadily overstepped the accord's limits on its nuclear programme in response to Washington's withdrawal from the accord in 2018 and its reimposition of sanctions that have crippled the Islamic Republic's economy.
  • What other parties to the deal do is their business. Where and how they negotiate with the United States is up to them. The Iranian delegation will not have any talks with the US delegation in Vienna at any level.
Published 06 Apr, 2021 12:09pm
Two Ukrainian soldiers killed in eastern Ukraine
Europe

Two Ukrainian soldiers killed in eastern Ukraine

  • Kyiv says Russia has been building up its forces near Ukraine's eastern borders in recent weeks, and reports of separatist attacks on Ukrainian government forces have increased significantly.
  • Moscow and Kyiv have long accused each other of failing to implement a peace deal over the region.
Published 06 Apr, 2021 12:03pm
Tokyo stocks close lower on profit-taking
Stocks

Tokyo stocks close lower on profit-taking

  • The benchmark Nikkei 225 index fell 1.30 percent, or 392.62 points, to 29,696.63, while the broader Topix index was down 1.47 percent, or 29.20 points, at 1,954.34.
  • The Nikkei index, which on Monday closed above the 30,000 mark for the first time in about two weeks, extended its gain in early trade after Wall Street shares rallied to another record finish.
Published 06 Apr, 2021 12:08pm
Credit Suisse estimates Archegos fallout at $4.7bn, overhauls executive board
Money & Banking

Credit Suisse estimates Archegos fallout at $4.7bn, overhauls executive board

  • An individual case has ruined the otherwise successful work of the bank as a whole in the first quarter. At least - in our opinion - personnel consequences have now been taken.
  • "CEO Gottstein is quoted saying "serious lessons will be learned". In addition to the Executive Board changes, we look forward to hear about the "broader consequences" of the Board's investigations."
Published 06 Apr, 2021 12:01pm
Dutch cargo ship adrift off Norway after dramatic evacuation
Europe

Dutch cargo ship adrift off Norway after dramatic evacuation

  • "The ship lost power on the main engine during the night and is drifting towards land," Hans Petter Mortenson of the Norwegian Coastal Administration, told public broadcaster NRK.
  • "There is a risk it may capsize and sink," Mortenson said, adding that this could cause a spill of diesel and fuel oil from its tanks.
Published 06 Apr, 2021 11:54am
UK parliament to get vote on any vaccine certification plans
Europe

UK parliament to get vote on any vaccine certification plans

  • "We haven't even got to the state where we decided what we want to do on this domestically, because there are so many issues that do need careful consideration," Zahawi told Times Radio.
  • "We're not there yet, but... if we do get to that place, then of course we'll go to parliament for a vote."
Published 06 Apr, 2021 11:49am
South Africa's rand holds gains as dollar slips
Forex

South Africa's rand holds gains as dollar slips

  • Rand traded at 14.5600 against the US dollar, largely unchanged from its previous close. The currency hit a five-week high of 14.5250 on Monday.
  • In fixed income, the yield on the benchmark government bond due in 2030 was down 3 basis points at 9.535% in early deals.
Published 06 Apr, 2021 11:47am
Swedish Services PMI dips to 61.3 points in March
Europe

Swedish Services PMI dips to 61.3 points in March

  • "It is the third month in a row where the index is over the 60-point level, which shows a broad rise in activity in the services sector and which has led to an increase in the need for new workers for the first time since 2019," Swedbank economist Jorgen Kennemar said in a statement.
Published 06 Apr, 2021 11:29am
Australia job ads jump to 12-year high in March: ANZ
South Asia

Australia job ads jump to 12-year high in March: ANZ

  • Tuesday's figures from Australia and New Zealand Banking Group showed total job ads grew 7.4% in March from February, when they jumped an upwardly revised 8.8%.
  • "We estimate that 100,000-150,000 people will lose employment, equivalent to 0.8-1.2% of the current workforce," said Birch.
Published 06 Apr, 2021 11:26am
PM shares breathtaking pictures Of Deosai Ski Traverse
Pakistan

PM shares breathtaking pictures Of Deosai Ski Traverse

  • Imran says that Deosai plains – the high altitude plateau in Gilgit Baltistan, had turned out to be the country’s first winter ski traverse
  • The premier shared a number of pictures of the local and foreigner skiers traversing in the snows of Deosai
Published 06 Apr, 2021 11:18am
Copper hits 2-week high as top producer Chile closes border
Commodities

Copper hits 2-week high as top producer Chile closes border

  • Three-month copper on the London Metal Exchange climbed as much as 3.6% to $9,104 a tonne, its highest since March 23.
  • The most-traded May copper contract on the Shanghai Futures Exchange also hit its highest in two weeks, advancing as much as 2.3% to 67,670 yuan ($10,308.32) a tonne.
Published 06 Apr, 2021 11:24am
Japan futures edge higher on Shanghai gains, strong US economic data
Commodities

Japan futures edge higher on Shanghai gains, strong US economic data

  • The Osaka Exchange rubber contract for September delivery was up 0.6 yen, or 0.2%, at 251.3 yen ($2.3) per kg.
  • The rubber contract on the Shanghai futures exchange for September delivery was up 125 yuan, or 0.9%, at 14,365 yuan ($2,191) per tonne on Tuesday. China's commodity futures markets were closed on Monday for the Qingming festival.
Published 06 Apr, 2021 11:19am
US oil may rise into $59.95-$60.50 range
Energy

US oil may rise into $59.95-$60.50 range

  • A triple-bottom could be developing around $57.50. It will be confirmed when oil goes above $62.27. Even if this pattern turns out to be a flat consolidation within a range, oil is still likely to rise towards $62.27.
  • A break below $57.88 will be a very bearish signal that the downtrend from $67.98 could have resumed towards $51.64-$55.50 range.
Published 06 Apr, 2021 11:11am
West Ham's Rice sidelined with knee ligament injury
Sports

West Ham's Rice sidelined with knee ligament injury

  • The 22-year-old picked up the issue late in England's 2-1 World Cup qualifying win over Poland at Wembley last Wednesday but managed to finish the game.
  • Rice was absent for West Ham's 3-2 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday, the first league game he has missed all season, and local media reported he could be out for a month.
Published 06 Apr, 2021 11:10am
Diving, artistic swimming, marathon swim qualifiers in Japan cancelled
Sports

Diving, artistic swimming, marathon swim qualifiers in Japan cancelled

  • FINA had said on Friday it was reviewing its qualifiers planned for Japan and that it would make an announcement in the current week. It has yet to issue a new statement.
  • The BBC reported last week that FINA was cancelling the diving qualifier because it was dissatisfied with organisers' planned COVID-19 precautions.
Published 06 Apr, 2021 11:03am
China's services sector recovery accelerates in March
Industry

China's services sector recovery accelerates in March

  • The Caixin/Markit services Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rose to 54.3, the highest since December, from 51.5 in February, well above the 50-mark that separates growth from contraction on a monthly basis.
  • A sub-index for employment rose back into positive territory as businesses hired more workers than they laid off, the survey showed.
Published 06 Apr, 2021 11:00am
MLCF enhances grey clinker production
Business & Finance

MLCF enhances grey clinker production

  • The capacity of the Line-3 has been increased from 7300 to 7800 tons per day of clinker, this was achieved due to a debottlenecking and Balancing Modernization and Replacement (BMR) program, informed the cement manufacturer.
Published 06 Apr, 2021 10:44am
Japanese shares fall on profit booking, checking US rates
Stocks

Japanese shares fall on profit booking, checking US rates

  • Nikkei share average lost 0.81% to 29,844.81 by 0208 GMT, after hitting the 30,000 mark for the first time in more than two weeks on Monday. The broader Topix fell 0.74% to 1,968.80
  • "The market fundamental is strong. But ultimately the stimulus packages in the US and the direction of the long term interest rates could determine the move of the Japanese market."
Published 06 Apr, 2021 10:54am
Everton still in the hunt for European berth, says Ancelotti
Sports

Everton still in the hunt for European berth, says Ancelotti

  • Everton midfielder James Rodriguez scored on his return after more than six weeks out due to injury but the home side were denied the win thanks to a late goal from Michy Batshuayi. *"I think the position in Europe is still there because we're in the fight and we have a game in hand," Ancelotti told reporters.
Published 06 Apr, 2021 10:45am
Spot gold still targets $1,746
Commodities

Spot gold still targets $1,746

  • After breaking above $1,716 and a falling trendline, the metal pulled back towards this former resistance and the line.
  • A break below $1,716 could cause a fall to $1,691. On the daily chart, gold has broken a resistance at $1,724. It is poised to rise towards $1,769.
Published 06 Apr, 2021 10:43am
James Packer's private firm open to Blackstone's $6bn buyout proposal for Crown Resorts
Companies

James Packer's private firm open to Blackstone's $6bn buyout proposal for Crown Resorts

  • Blackstone in March had proposed to buy Crown Resorts in a deal valuing the troubled casino operator at $6.2 billion, a markdown from its value a year ago but a possible reprieve from regulatory pressure.
  • CPH on Tuesday also said it has hired Moelis Australia to advise it on its nearly 37% stake, adding that it will engage with relevant stakeholders including regulatory authorities for the proposal.
Published 06 Apr, 2021 10:40am
Soybeans firm on harvesting delays in Brazil
Commodities

Soybeans firm on harvesting delays in Brazil

  • The most-active soybean futures on the Chicago Board Of Trade were up 0.3% to $14.16-1/4 a bushel .
  • The most-active wheat futures were up 0.3% to $6.20 a bushel, having closed up 1.1% on Tuesday.
Published 06 Apr, 2021 10:37am
KKR raises $15bn in Asia's biggest fund as buyout-backed deals rise
Companies

KKR raises $15bn in Asia's biggest fund as buyout-backed deals rise

  • US-based KKR started marketing the new Asia fund towards the end of 2019, initially targeting $12.5 billion, sources familiar with the situation have said previously.
  • Companies across Asia Pacific are recognising their potential to become not only national and regional champions but also global leaders in their industries.
Published 06 Apr, 2021 10:35am
China sells 1.588mn tonnes of wheat at auction of state reserves
Commodities

China sells 1.588mn tonnes of wheat at auction of state reserves

  • The volume sold, at an average price of 2,363 yuan ($360.36) per tonne, rose slightly from around 1 million tonnes sold last week.
  • Chinese feed makers have been scooping up wheat from reserves to substitute for more expensive corn. But demand for the grain has cooled down a little as corn prices fell.
Published 06 Apr, 2021 10:33am
Palm oil edges up tracking soyoil, on signs of improving exports
Commodities

Palm oil edges up tracking soyoil, on signs of improving exports

  • The benchmark palm oil contract for June delivery on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange rose 38 ringgit, or 1.02%, to 3,777 ringgit ($914.09) a tonne during early trade.
  • Sri Lanka on Monday banned imports of palm oil and new palm plantations, and told producers to uproot existing plantations in a phased manner, in a surprise move that baffled the edible oil industry.
Published 06 Apr, 2021 10:25am
Olympics-Tokyo organisers to cancel water polo test event
Sports

Olympics-Tokyo organisers to cancel water polo test event

  • A cancellation would be another blow for organisers just days after they restarted test events, which had been on hold due to the pandemic, for the first time in more than a year.
  • The water polo test event will be cancelled because overseas officials are unable to come to Japan amid strict COVID-19 countermeasures, public broadcaster NHK said.
Published 06 Apr, 2021 10:27am
Silicon Valley self-driving startup Gatik works with Isuzu to build delivery trucks
Companies

Silicon Valley self-driving startup Gatik works with Isuzu to build delivery trucks

  • Gatik, which has raised nearly $30 million so far, said its trucks are owned by a major fleet operator which it isn't yet disclosing. So far it has been using the Ford Transit chassis for its existing fleet of autonomous delivery trucks.
  • Ford Motor Co Executive Chairman Bill Ford's venture capital fund Fontinalis Partners is an early investor in Gatik, according to Narang.
Published 06 Apr, 2021 10:14am
Indian shares rebound from virus-induced sell-off; metals gain
Stocks

Indian shares rebound from virus-induced sell-off; metals gain

  • The NSE Nifty 50 index was up 0.62% at 14,726.10 by 0400 GMT, while the S&P BSE Sensex was 0.52% higher at 49,419.18.
  • Stocks across most sectors were higher on Tuesday. Metals led the gains with a 1.62% advance. JSW Steel , up 3.7%, was the top gainer on the Nifty 50.
Published 06 Apr, 2021 10:09am
China stocks fall as healthcare, consumer companies weigh
Stocks

China stocks fall as healthcare, consumer companies weigh

  • The CSI300 index fell 0.7% to 5,128.01 points at the end of the morning session, while the Shanghai Composite Index dipped 0.3% to 3,473.32.
  • Falling the most on Tuesday, the CSI300 healthcare index and CSI300 consumer discretionary index dropped 1.8% and 1.9%, respectively.
Published 06 Apr, 2021 10:06am
Tokyo-bound Matildas back in camp under new coach
Sports

Tokyo-bound Matildas back in camp under new coach

  • The team's last match was the 2-1 qualifying victory over Vietnam in Cam Pha last March that secured a berth at the Olympics but much has changed since then.
  • "It was really fun, and good to see the way Tony sees the game a little bit and a little insight into what we can expect from him further down the track," said experienced defender Laura Brock.
Published 06 Apr, 2021 10:03am
Australia's Panoramic Resources to restart operations at Savannah, shares jump
Companies

Australia's Panoramic Resources to restart operations at Savannah, shares jump

  • The base metal miner and explorer said it had secured a five-year nickel and copper concentrate offtake contract for the project from Singapore-based commodities trading firm Trafigura Group, sending its shares up 14.8% in their biggest intraday percentage gain in three months.
  • Underground mining is scheduled to restart in August with strategies in place to improve and de-risk the project, and the first concentrate shipment is targeted for December this year.
Published 06 Apr, 2021 10:00am
Indian states seek widening of vaccinations as second surge overtakes first wave
South Asia

Indian states seek widening of vaccinations as second surge overtakes first wave

  • India breached the grim milestone of 100,000 daily infections for the first time on Monday, and cases are likely to stay high again when fresh figures are released later on Tuesday.
  • If a larger number of young and working population is vaccinated, the intensity of the cases would be much lower than the treatment that they need today.
Published 06 Apr, 2021 09:57am
Yuan edges up as investors catch up with dollar weakness after holiday
Forex

Yuan edges up as investors catch up with dollar weakness after holiday

  • The dollar sank to an almost two-week low against its major trading partners, moving in tandem with retreating Treasury yields from recent peaks despite signs of a robust US economic recovery.
  • In the spot market, the onshore yuan trading unchanged fron the open at 6.5550 per dollar, 125 pips firmer than the previous late session close on Friday.
Published 06 Apr, 2021 09:54am
Uzbekistan names consultants for 18 privatisation deals
Companies

Uzbekistan names consultants for 18 privatisation deals

  • The three consultancies "will support UzAssets by providing financial, tax and legal due diligence, valuation services and identifying and negotiating with potential buyers", it said in a statement.
  • Among the assets to be sold off are majority stakes in Kafolat, one of the Central Asian nation's largest insurance companies, Quartz, the country's largest glass producer, and Trest-12, a leading construction company.
Published 06 Apr, 2021 09:52am
Australia short of 3mn AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine doses in blow to vaccination drive
South Asia

Australia short of 3mn AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine doses in blow to vaccination drive

  • We were scheduled to have received over 3 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine from overseas by now, which have not arrived in Australia because of the problems with shipments that we've seen happening here and in other parts of the world.
  • "We have been told that the delay is linked to supply chain delays rather than the ability of the pharmacy network to participate," Pharmacy Guild President Trent Twomey told Reuters.
Published 06 Apr, 2021 09:50am
AFC bans Brazilian striker Jaja for four years over doping violation
Sports

AFC bans Brazilian striker Jaja for four years over doping violation

  • The governing body said he violated Article 6 of its anti-doping regulations of 2019 and that the ban covered domestic, international, friendly and official fixtures.
  • "The AFC remains committed in its stance to keep football free from doping and in upholding the integrity of the sport," it said in a statement.
Published 06 Apr, 2021 09:40am
Asked and (un)answered
BR Research

Asked and (un)answered

Over the weekend, in a live telephonic conversation with the public, the Prime Minister received a call from a woman...
Published 06 Apr, 2021 07:40am
PTA launches CERT portal
Pakistan

PTA launches CERT portal

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has launched Computer Emergency Readiness Team (CERT)/...
Published 06 Apr, 2021 04:23am
Chief of Air Staff meets PM
Pakistan

Chief of Air Staff meets PM

ISLAMABAD: Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar called on Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad,...
Published 06 Apr, 2021 04:23am
Previous Day