BML 7.99 Increased By ▲ 0.27 (3.5%)
BOP 27.80 Increased By ▲ 1.54 (5.86%)
CNERGY 8.05 Decreased By ▼ -0.07 (-0.86%)
CPHL 96.77 Decreased By ▼ -0.11 (-0.11%)
DCL 15.48 Increased By ▲ 0.33 (2.18%)
DGKC 246.51 Increased By ▲ 1.93 (0.79%)
FCCL 59.30 Decreased By ▼ -0.83 (-1.38%)
FFL 21.66 Decreased By ▼ -0.07 (-0.32%)
GCIL 34.00 Decreased By ▼ -0.12 (-0.35%)
HUBC 213.66 Increased By ▲ 6.99 (3.38%)
KEL 5.79 Increased By ▲ 0.03 (0.52%)
KOSM 7.62 Decreased By ▼ -0.15 (-1.93%)
LOTCHEM 26.11 Increased By ▲ 0.20 (0.77%)
MLCF 107.74 Increased By ▲ 0.21 (0.2%)
NBP 187.99 Decreased By ▼ -1.07 (-0.57%)
PAEL 55.19 Increased By ▲ 0.05 (0.09%)
PIAHCLA 21.16 Increased By ▲ 0.01 (0.05%)
PIBTL 13.75 Decreased By ▼ -0.10 (-0.72%)
POWER 18.69 Increased By ▲ 0.01 (0.05%)
PPL 190.40 Decreased By ▼ -0.69 (-0.36%)
PREMA 52.94 Increased By ▲ 4.81 (9.99%)
PRL 35.55 Decreased By ▼ -0.51 (-1.41%)
PTC 26.90 Increased By ▲ 1.01 (3.9%)
SNGP 133.01 Decreased By ▼ -0.39 (-0.29%)
SSGC 44.20 Decreased By ▼ -0.12 (-0.27%)
TELE 9.34 Decreased By ▼ -0.22 (-2.3%)
TPLP 11.31 Decreased By ▼ -0.29 (-2.5%)
TREET 26.50 Decreased By ▼ -0.06 (-0.23%)
TRG 78.97 Decreased By ▼ -0.73 (-0.92%)
WTL 1.66 Decreased By ▼ -0.02 (-1.19%)
BML 7.99 Increased By ▲ 0.27 (3.5%)
BOP 27.80 Increased By ▲ 1.54 (5.86%)
CNERGY 8.05 Decreased By ▼ -0.07 (-0.86%)
CPHL 96.77 Decreased By ▼ -0.11 (-0.11%)
DCL 15.48 Increased By ▲ 0.33 (2.18%)
DGKC 246.51 Increased By ▲ 1.93 (0.79%)
FCCL 59.30 Decreased By ▼ -0.83 (-1.38%)
FFL 21.66 Decreased By ▼ -0.07 (-0.32%)
GCIL 34.00 Decreased By ▼ -0.12 (-0.35%)
HUBC 213.66 Increased By ▲ 6.99 (3.38%)
KEL 5.79 Increased By ▲ 0.03 (0.52%)
KOSM 7.62 Decreased By ▼ -0.15 (-1.93%)
LOTCHEM 26.11 Increased By ▲ 0.20 (0.77%)
MLCF 107.74 Increased By ▲ 0.21 (0.2%)
NBP 187.99 Decreased By ▼ -1.07 (-0.57%)
PAEL 55.19 Increased By ▲ 0.05 (0.09%)
PIAHCLA 21.16 Increased By ▲ 0.01 (0.05%)
PIBTL 13.75 Decreased By ▼ -0.10 (-0.72%)
POWER 18.69 Increased By ▲ 0.01 (0.05%)
PPL 190.40 Decreased By ▼ -0.69 (-0.36%)
PREMA 52.94 Increased By ▲ 4.81 (9.99%)
PRL 35.55 Decreased By ▼ -0.51 (-1.41%)
PTC 26.90 Increased By ▲ 1.01 (3.9%)
SNGP 133.01 Decreased By ▼ -0.39 (-0.29%)
SSGC 44.20 Decreased By ▼ -0.12 (-0.27%)
TELE 9.34 Decreased By ▼ -0.22 (-2.3%)
TPLP 11.31 Decreased By ▼ -0.29 (-2.5%)
TREET 26.50 Decreased By ▼ -0.06 (-0.23%)
TRG 78.97 Decreased By ▼ -0.73 (-0.92%)
WTL 1.66 Decreased By ▼ -0.02 (-1.19%)
BR100 16,405 Increased By 92.5 (0.57%)
BR30 52,938 Increased By 579.1 (1.11%)
KSE100 158,781 Increased By 743.5 (0.47%)
KSE30 48,500 Increased By 249 (0.52%)
Print - 2005-05-14
'Only e-filing of sales tax invoices to resolve refunds problem'

'Only e-filing of sales tax invoices to resolve refunds problem'

The electronic filing of sales tax invoices by the suppliers is the only solution of the present problem faced by the exporters in receiving refunds. Sales Tax Collector Rashid Ahmed, while addressing the members of Federal B. Area Association of Trade an
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
Dividend/Bonus Announcements

Dividend/Bonus Announcements

Dividend/Bonus announcements by the companies listed on the Karachi Stock Exchange.

Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
Ansari appointed trustee to KPT Board

Ansari appointed trustee to KPT Board

Dr Fahim Ansari has been appointed as the Trustee to the Board of Karachi Port Trust (KPT), notified a statement of Federal Ministry of Ports and Shipping. It said that in pursuance of Section 9 of the KPT Act and in continuation of the Ministry's Notific
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
Board Meetings

Board Meetings

Board Meetings of Companies listed on the Karachi Stock Exchange.

Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
USAS and retailers' schemes get poor response

USAS and retailers' schemes get poor response

The Income Tax Department received poor response from the taxpayers on its Universal Self-Assessment Scheme (USAS) and the concessionary retailers' scheme. This is evident from the number of tax returns received this year by Tax Zone B of Regional Commiss
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
BOARD MEETINGS

BOARD MEETINGS

Board Meetings of Companies listed on the Karachi Stock Exchange.

Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
'Industrial zones should not be set up on cultivated lands'

'Industrial zones should not be set up on cultivated lands'

A former chairman of Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (Kati) and member of the managing committee of Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), Manzar Alam, has suggested that no new industrial zones should bee planned on c
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
Cross Transactions

Cross Transactions

Cross transactions between client to client reported on Friday (May 13, 2005).

Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
Steps proposed to curb tea smuggling

Steps proposed to curb tea smuggling

The Pakistan Tea Association (PTA) has urged the Central Board of Revenue (CBR) to withdraw import duty on tea and reduce sales tax to 10 percent from 15 percent in the budget 2005-06. The association asked the CBR to place 'Black Tea' on negative list un
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
Appointed

Appointed

JCR-VIS Credit Rating Company Limited has appointed Muhammad Ameen as Advisor & Rating Committee Member, a press release said here on Thursday.
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
All shares index report

All shares index report

The sector-wise all shares index report on Friday (May 13, 2005).

Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
Private sector urged to explore Russian markets

Private sector urged to explore Russian markets

The Russia, as a fast growing economy in Asia, has huge potential for private sector in various fields. This was stated by Emerging Trade Partners Forum (ETPF) President Muhammad Wasim Vohra while speaking at a dinner meeting on Wednesday held by him in h
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
Cement: FAUJI CEMENT COMPANY LIMITED - Nine Months Ended March 31 2005

Cement: FAUJI CEMENT COMPANY LIMITED - Nine Months Ended March 31 2005

The company (FCCL) is a public limited company incorporated in Rawalpindi on 23 November 1992 and commenced its business with effect from 22 May 1993. It is headquartered in Islamabad and operates a cement plant at Jhang Bahtar, Tehsil Fateh Jhang, Distri
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
CCB plans to launch entertainment projects

CCB plans to launch entertainment projects

Citizen Community Board (CCB) Town-I has chalked out a multidimensional plan of launching a number of projects in the city with collaboration of town administration. The projects prepared include construction of senior citizens community centre, Shalimar
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
Cement: FAUJI CEMENT COMPANY LIMITED - Nine Months Ended March 31 2005

Cement: FAUJI CEMENT COMPANY LIMITED - Nine Months Ended March 31 2005

The company (FCCL) is a public limited company incorporated in Rawalpindi on 23 November 1992 and commenced its business with effect from 22 May 1993. It is headquartered in Islamabad and operates a cement plant at Jhang Bahtar, Tehsil Fateh Jhang, Distri
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
State Bank's five-year strategic plan

State Bank's five-year strategic plan

Following are the details of five-year (2005-10) strategic plan the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has chalked out envisaging soundness of financial sector, effective monetary management, prudent exchange and reserves management, along with an efficient pay
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
State Bank's five-year strategic plan

State Bank's five-year strategic plan

Following are the details of five-year (2005-10) strategic plan the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has chalked out envisaging soundness of financial sector, effective monetary management, prudent exchange and reserves management, along with an efficient pay
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
THE RUPEE: 15 paisa loss in open market

THE RUPEE: 15 paisa loss in open market

Escalating dollar buying by interbank market kept the rupee in drifting position in the open market on Friday, shedding 15 paisa in terms of dollar for buying and selling at Rs 60.25 and Rs 60.30, respectively. The rupee was under pressure these days as d
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
APPMA seeks tax cuts

APPMA seeks tax cuts

All Pakistan Paper Merchants Association (APPMA) has demanded of the government to slash income tax rate from six percent to two percent and sales tax rate to 10 percent in the federal budget for 2005-06. Paper and paperboard should be categorised as a se
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
THE RUPEE: 15 paisa loss in open market

THE RUPEE: 15 paisa loss in open market

Escalating dollar buying by interbank market kept the rupee in drifting position in the open market on Friday, shedding 15 paisa in terms of dollar for buying and selling at Rs 60.25 and Rs 60.30, respectively. The rupee was under pressure these days as d
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
APPMA seeks tax cuts

APPMA seeks tax cuts

All Pakistan Paper Merchants Association (APPMA) has demanded of the government to slash income tax rate from six percent to two percent and sales tax rate to 10 percent in the federal budget for 2005-06. Paper and paperboard should be categorised as a se
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
SMEs: Enabling environment missing

SMEs: Enabling environment missing

Development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) is the favourite subject of the policy makers these days. It is argued that their development would go a long way in creating employment opportunities, because SMEs are usually labour intensive, diversify
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
Uncertainty galore

Uncertainty galore

A spate of statements from President General Pervez Musharraf and other leaders of the ruling coalition has caused an extraordinary increase in the state of confusion and uncertainty regarding the future of the country's present political system. For exam
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
Shipping Intelligence

Shipping Intelligence

Karachi Shipping Intelligence report incorporating changes till 7 am on Friday (May 13, 2005).

Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
Kashmir bus sparks fears of property wrangles

Kashmir bus sparks fears of property wrangles

It was an emotional homecoming for Farida Gani, but also one that sparked a fierce desire to reclaim her ancestral property in occupied Kashmir left behind after her family moved to Pakistan. Despite being overwhelmed by emotion when she made the historic
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
Shipping Intelligence

Shipping Intelligence

Karachi Shipping Intelligence report incorporating changes till 7 am on Friday (May 13, 2005).

Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
Brand naming makes sound business sense

Brand naming makes sound business sense

World economy is fast changing and the currents as well as the under-currents cause a ripple effect in countries like Pakistan too. Understanding the implications, Pakistan through its trade, finance and economic policies is well poised to travel on the r
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
Lahore Grain Market Rates

Lahore Grain Market Rates

Grain and other commodity rates in rupees on Akbari Mandi on Friday (May 13, 2005).

Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
Syria's stateless Kurds hope for new rights

Syria's stateless Kurds hope for new rights

Ismael Hami is a foreigner in the country of his birth. He cannot vote, run for office or register property in his name. A pink card stamped "not for travel" is one of a few documents proving he even exists. But all that could soon change for Hami, who sa
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
Traffic violations, lawlessness and punishments

Traffic violations, lawlessness and punishments

Traffic mishaps are occurring daily in the city due to rash driving, overtaking, changing traffic lanes without indication and driving beyond the laid-down speed limit. Increase in the number of automobiles in Karachi, narrow bumpy roads, the unusual size
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
Poultry rates

Poultry rates

Wholesale poultry rates on Friday (May 13) and for Saturday (May 14, 2005).
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
China consulting Pakistan on UN reforms

China consulting Pakistan on UN reforms

A spokesman of the Chinese Foreign Ministry said that China was maintaining close contact with Pakistan and other friendly countries in a bid to develop consensus on the UN reforms. Kong Quan told APP here that China held regular consultation with the gov
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
Cotton Spot Rates

Cotton Spot Rates

Official KCA spot rates for local dealings in Pakistan rupees on Friday (May 13, 2005).

Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
Haj flights for Madina from next year: Ijaz

Haj flights for Madina from next year: Ijaz

About 45,000 intending Haj pilgrims would directly be airlifted to Madina by PIA's special flights from next year, said Minister for Religious Affairs, Ijaz-ul-Haq. The Minister, who is currently on a visit to Saudi Arabia, in a meeting with his Saudi cou
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
Plan prepared to strengthen AJK police

Plan prepared to strengthen AJK police

An integrated plan has been prepared to further strengthen the police in Azad Kashmir, the state Inspector General of Police (IGP) Shahid Hassan Qureshi said on Thursday. At least 1,200 constables would be inducted into the force, he told reporters here.
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
Indian Deputy High Commissioner to visit FCCI

Indian Deputy High Commissioner to visit FCCI

Indian Deputy High Commissioner T.C.A Raghavan will visit Faisalabad here on Saturday. In addition to other engagements, the Indian diplomat will also visit Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) and address the local industrialists and busine
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
New York cotton

New York cotton

Friday's closing prices of New York cotton in US cents/lb.

Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
Speakers praise progress in Pak-India talks

Speakers praise progress in Pak-India talks

Speakers at a discussion programme have applauded the progress achieved in the dialogue process between Pakistan and India and hoped it would bring lasting peace and progress to the region by amicably resolving the outstanding matters. The discussion was
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
New York cotton

New York cotton

Friday's closing prices of New York cotton in US cents/lb.

Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
British Muslim MPs urged to highlight Kashmir cause

British Muslim MPs urged to highlight Kashmir cause

President Muslim Conference UK Mehmood Riaz on Friday urged four newly elected British MPs of Pakistani origin to lobby in the House of Commons for espousing the just cause of Kashmir. The elections of Mohammad Sarwar from Glasgow, Shahid Malik from Dewsb
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
The Weather

The Weather

The weather report on Friday (May 13) and the forecast for Saturday (May 14, 2005).
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
Smeda directed to finalise strategy for dairy uplift

Smeda directed to finalise strategy for dairy uplift

Jehangir Khan Tareen, Federal Minister for Industries, Production and Special Initiatives has advised the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Authority (Smeda) to finalise the strategy making process for development of the dairy industry at the earlie
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
Paddy to be cultivated over 4.575 million acres land

Paddy to be cultivated over 4.575 million acres land

Over 4.575 million acres of land would be brought under paddy crop during Kharif season 2005, in various rice growing areas of the Punjab. The official sources in Agriculture department told Business Recorder on Friday here that Basmati would be so
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
Death awarded for killing daughter, son-in-law

Death awarded for killing daughter, son-in-law

Additional District and Session Judge Vehari Muhammad Nawaz awarded death sentence, twice, to one Allah Ditta Shah, who was found guilty of killing his daughter and her husband. According to prosecution, the accused had objection over love marriage of his
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
JKLF accuses Indian troops of atrocities

JKLF accuses Indian troops of atrocities

Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) has said that Kashmiris in Indian Held Kashmir (IHK) were being oppressed by the Indian troops behind the facade of Indo-Pak peace talks. JKLF regretted that while the impression was being given to the world commu
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
Train services

Train services

To facilitate the travelling public, Pakistan Railways (PR) has made expansions in its service network from May 15 onwards, according to a Railways press release issued here on Thursday. Rail service resumed between Sialkot-Rawalpindi-Sialkot section on t
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
Mothers Day: an Islamic and juristic view

Mothers Day: an Islamic and juristic view

The present world is referred to as an era of information and media. The West has developed its media to the extent that it can easily transmit any information or disinformation across the glob within a friction of seconds. The West has not only propagate
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
CURRENT TOPICS: Vengeful foes to bitter friends

CURRENT TOPICS: Vengeful foes to bitter friends

As in international relations so in politics there are no permanent friends or enemies and marriages of convenience do take place which may or may not last long. In this respect the recent coming together of erstwhile rivals PPP and PML-N calls for specia
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
Borneo's ancient jungles offer new insight into modern life

Borneo's ancient jungles offer new insight into modern life

Many of us suspect it as we trudge to work in the morning, but scientists studying some of the last primitive tribes in deepest Borneo say they now have proof -- modern life is, indeed, rubbish. A team of experts has spent months comparing the lives of th
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
When a healer was sick

When a healer was sick

Every city has its vibrations which attract and repel the visitors. These vibrations come from the people who live there. There are many people who come and leave the world without any impact and there are few who leave the world with a great impact. I lo
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
'Nukta' - an art publication

'Nukta' - an art publication

'Nukta' is the endeavour of three writers and a designer who have been linked with the arts of Pakistan for some time. This art publication with a global perspective also finds itself firmly rooted in the creative terrain of Pakistan. As the countr
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
The beginning of a new era

The beginning of a new era

Walking through the doors of the Karachi Stock Exchange evoked memories of our first economics lecture on the Stock Market. Having relatively matured, we remembered our naivety; giggling when we were first introduced to the terms Bullish and Bearish by ou
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
LAHORE CULTURAL DIARY: Not many noticeable activities this week

LAHORE CULTURAL DIARY: Not many noticeable activities this week

The number of cultural events organised in Lahore this past week were less than the usual weekly output. A new exhibition of paintings was opened at Nairang Galleries and the three-week long exhibition at Shakir Ali Museum continued during the reporting p
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
Music of Swiss duo - a mix of tradition and experiments

Music of Swiss duo - a mix of tradition and experiments

The new currents and crosscurrents that have infested contemporary Western musical modes such as serialism, directional music, dissonance music fusion music and experimental music have engaged alike the attention of music buffs and professional practition
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
BOOK REVIEW: Khali Hath

BOOK REVIEW: Khali Hath

'Khali Hath' is the collection of short stories of A <Khayyam. His first anthology of short stories 'Kapil Wastoo Ka Shahzada' was published in 1993, which according to the author, was the outcome of his 37 years of hard labour in creative effort.
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
TV THOUGHTS: PTV's adhocism, but what's really new?

TV THOUGHTS: PTV's adhocism, but what's really new?

Should entertainment shows educate? "The Federal Information Minister, Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, has directed the PTV management to submit its report regarding ad hoc appointments soon. He has also directed the top PTV management to explain why a number of con
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
SPORTS WORLD: Why a new cricket constitution?

SPORTS WORLD: Why a new cricket constitution?

It is incomprehensible to the followers of cricket in this country, as also abroad, as to why the necessity arose of a new constitution to replace the present one, which is in abeyance since about six or seven years when Lieutenant General Tauqir Zia, now
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
BRIDGE NOTES: A slam contract brings boon to French team

BRIDGE NOTES: A slam contract brings boon to French team

Sometimes the bridge players confront tricky deals while plying a serious game which on the face of the distribution and point count in combined hands appear attractive enough to reach a slam. But in effect a slam contract cannot be make whatever line of
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
US MIDDAY: gold skids to three-month low on speculative liquidation

US MIDDAY: gold skids to three-month low on speculative liquidation

US gold futures hovered near fresh three-month lows early on Friday, as speculative liquidation continued in lighter volumes after Thursday's steep dive and the dollar extended broad gains, dealers said. Silver prices also got soaked and were testing a on
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
US MIDDAY: copper unchanged thought heavy selling

US MIDDAY: copper unchanged thought heavy selling

US copper futures teetered around unchanged on Friday, with traders saying they thought heavy selling this week had run its course, but the resurgent dollar was limiting any attempts to the upside. July futures hit new 3-month lows on Friday, but activity
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
US MIDDAY: soya falls on follow-through pressure

US MIDDAY: soya falls on follow-through pressure

Soyabean futures on the Chicago Board of Trade fell to 2-week lows early on Friday amid strength in the dollar and on follow-through pressure from Thursday's fund-related sell-off, traders said. At 10:09 am CDT (1509 GMT), soya was down 3/4 to 4-1/4 cents
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
US MIDDAY: corn mixed on limit buying interest

US MIDDAY: corn mixed on limit buying interest

Corn futures at the Chicago Board of Trade were narrowly mixed early on Friday, with rains in the Midwest and a big stockpile of corn combining to limit buying interest in corn futures, traders said. At 10:25 am CDT (1525 GMT), corn was down 1/2 cent to u
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
US MIDDAY: wheat down on technical fund selling

US MIDDAY: wheat down on technical fund selling

Wheat futures at the Chicago Board of Trade closed lower and fell to three-month lows early Friday amid technical fund selling and as the dollar rolled to 2005 highs, traders said. "It was all up to the funds again today, they sold another bundle," a trad
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
US MIDDAY: sugar firmer on speculative short-covering

US MIDDAY: sugar firmer on speculative short-covering

Raw sugar futures finished higher Friday as trade and speculative short-covering enabled the sweetener to rebound from its session lows and the market could drift in a band next week, brokers said. The New York Board of Trade's July raw sugar contract ros
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
US MIDDAY: cocoa lower on fund buying

US MIDDAY: cocoa lower on fund buying

New York benchmark cocoa futures slid to a 10-month low Friday, extending the week's losses as an ascending dollar stoked speculators and funds to sell, traders said. With more than ample supply of cocoa stored in US warehouses, a stronger US currency onl
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
US MIDDAY: coffee eases in thin trading

US MIDDAY: coffee eases in thin trading

Arabica coffee futures eased Friday in thin trading, extending the previous day's losses on a still-strong dollar and favourable crop weather in top coffee grower Brazil, market sources said. The New York Board of Trade's benchmark July arabica contract e
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
Gold near three-month lows in London

Gold near three-month lows in London

Gold was anchored just above its lowest in three months on Friday in Europe, hit by a resurgent dollar after a string of strong US economic data eased growth worries in the world's biggest economy. Spot gold stood at $420.25/421.00 per troy ounce by 1451
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
Copper down three percent on firmer dollar

Copper down three percent on firmer dollar

London Metal Exchange (LME) copper ended 3 percent down in trading on Friday - and 6.8 percent lower in the past three days - as a resurgent dollar prompted fund selling in metals markets, industry sources said. Three-months copper prices closed Friday's
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
Liffe cocoa falls

Liffe cocoa falls

London cocoa futures fell on Friday to close near a recent nine-month continuation low after arbitrage selling and concern about imminent producer hedging weakened the market, dealers said. Liffe's July contract lost more than two percent to finish at 806
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
New York cotton stumbles to weak close

New York cotton stumbles to weak close

Cotton futures settled Friday at a four-week low on fund sales spawned by investors getting out of some commodity sectors, and the market could slide further next week, brokers said. The New York Board of Trade's July contract slid 1.33 cents to end at 53
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
Russia draws final line under EU plant import ban

Russia draws final line under EU plant import ban

Russia will lift its import ban on plant products from Estonia next week, the last barrier it has with an EU country, and end a long-running trade spat between Moscow and Brussels, a senior EU source said on Friday. "The Russian authorities have written t
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
Oil steadies after big slide, stockpiles weigh

Oil steadies after big slide, stockpiles weigh

Oil prices steadied on Friday, holding this week's 8 percent slide on swelling US stockpiles and slowing global demand growth. US crude oil settled up 13 cents at $48.67 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, ending a steep slide from this week's T
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
Doing well by doing good with certified commodities

Doing well by doing good with certified commodities

Certified commodities, whether rain forest coffee or carefully selected wood for a toilet seat, are going mainstream as more big businesses see profit potential in saving the world, industry sources say. Coffee, cocoa, orange juice, sugar and wood are jus
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
Drought conceals Brazil grain crop storage problem

Drought conceals Brazil grain crop storage problem

The 20 million tonne loss to Brazil's grain crop due to a drought has only temporarily alleviated an outstanding shortfall in the country's storage capacity, experts said. The typical spate of soybean and corn trucks that have in previous years exceeded 6
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
Weak miners, Old Mutual rattle FTSE; BA buoyant

Weak miners, Old Mutual rattle FTSE; BA buoyant

Britain's top shares dipped on Friday to end down on the week as oil and mining stocks were hit by a tumble in commodity prices and insurer Old Mutual fell on the prospect of making its biggest ever acquisition. Old Mutual tumbled 5 percent after saying i
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
Bonds: Europe limps into weekend as sellers return

Bonds: Europe limps into weekend as sellers return

European corporate bonds drifted lower in late trade on Friday, reversing earlier gains, as a report of weaker consumer sentiment in the US fuelled speculation that recent declines have further to run. The iTraxx index of crossover credits, rated on the c
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
Bonds: Europe limps into weekend as sellers return

Bonds: Europe limps into weekend as sellers return

European corporate bonds drifted lower in late trade on Friday, reversing earlier gains, as a report of weaker consumer sentiment in the US fuelled speculation that recent declines have further to run. The iTraxx index of crossover credits, rated on the c
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
US Stocks: Friday's unofficial close

US Stocks: Friday's unofficial close

US blue chip stocks fell on Friday afternoon as investors took profits made in economically sensitive basic material stocks and bought tech shares, which rallied after an upbeat outlook from computer maker Dell Inc Alcoa Inc, the world's largest aluminium
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
India shares fall

India shares fall

Indian shares fell slightly on Friday as India's heavyweight software services firms weakened. The Mumbai Stock Exchange index fell 0.08 percent to 6,451.54 points, though it ended nearly 1 percent up on the week. "We are going to see a largely sideways m
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
Dollar sets 2005 high versus euro

Dollar sets 2005 high versus euro

The dollar hit a seven-month high against the euro and set three-month peaks against the Swiss franc and sterling on Friday after recent robust data raised optimism about the US economy. Upbeat retail sales data on Thursday followed a surprisingly strong
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
Sterling hits three-month low versus dollar

Sterling hits three-month low versus dollar

Sterling fell half a percent to a three-month low against the broadly stronger dollar on Friday, hurt by recent upbeat US data which contrasted with a worsening UK economic outlook. Investors piled into dollars this week in the wake of strong US reports o
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
Muslim world rallies against Quran's desecration; seven Afghans dead

Muslim world rallies against Quran's desecration; seven Afghans dead

Protests against the alleged desecration of the Quran at Guantanamo Bay spread across the Muslim world Friday, with seven Afghans dying in fresh violence and people rallying in Pakistan and Indonesia. The worst anti-US demonstrations since the fall of the
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
Arabs angry at leaders' impotence

Arabs angry at leaders' impotence

Muslim Arabs on Friday expressed anger, both with Washington and their own leaders, over the alleged desecration of the Quran by Americans at Guantanamo Bay as Palestinians took to the streets in protest. At the Jabaliya refugee camp in the northern Gaza
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am
Students strike across Nepal to protest army firing

Students strike across Nepal to protest army firing

Millions of students went on strike Friday closing nearly all Nepal's educational institutions in protest at the army opening fire and wounding three of their colleagues last month, officials said. The country's seven student unions jointly called for the
Published 14 May, 2005 12:00am