AGL 40.21 Increased By ▲ 0.18 (0.45%)
AIRLINK 127.64 Decreased By ▼ -0.06 (-0.05%)
BOP 6.67 Increased By ▲ 0.06 (0.91%)
CNERGY 4.45 Decreased By ▼ -0.15 (-3.26%)
DCL 8.73 Decreased By ▼ -0.06 (-0.68%)
DFML 41.16 Decreased By ▼ -0.42 (-1.01%)
DGKC 86.11 Increased By ▲ 0.32 (0.37%)
FCCL 32.56 Increased By ▲ 0.07 (0.22%)
FFBL 64.38 Increased By ▲ 0.35 (0.55%)
FFL 11.61 Increased By ▲ 1.06 (10.05%)
HUBC 112.46 Increased By ▲ 1.69 (1.53%)
HUMNL 14.81 Decreased By ▼ -0.26 (-1.73%)
KEL 5.04 Increased By ▲ 0.16 (3.28%)
KOSM 7.36 Decreased By ▼ -0.09 (-1.21%)
MLCF 40.33 Decreased By ▼ -0.19 (-0.47%)
NBP 61.08 Increased By ▲ 0.03 (0.05%)
OGDC 194.18 Decreased By ▼ -0.69 (-0.35%)
PAEL 26.91 Decreased By ▼ -0.60 (-2.18%)
PIBTL 7.28 Decreased By ▼ -0.53 (-6.79%)
PPL 152.68 Increased By ▲ 0.15 (0.1%)
PRL 26.22 Decreased By ▼ -0.36 (-1.35%)
PTC 16.14 Decreased By ▼ -0.12 (-0.74%)
SEARL 85.70 Increased By ▲ 1.56 (1.85%)
TELE 7.67 Decreased By ▼ -0.29 (-3.64%)
TOMCL 36.47 Decreased By ▼ -0.13 (-0.36%)
TPLP 8.79 Increased By ▲ 0.13 (1.5%)
TREET 16.84 Decreased By ▼ -0.82 (-4.64%)
TRG 62.74 Increased By ▲ 4.12 (7.03%)
UNITY 28.20 Increased By ▲ 1.34 (4.99%)
WTL 1.34 Decreased By ▼ -0.04 (-2.9%)
BR100 10,086 Increased By 85.5 (0.85%)
BR30 31,170 Increased By 168.1 (0.54%)
KSE100 94,764 Increased By 571.8 (0.61%)
KSE30 29,410 Increased By 209 (0.72%)
Nov 16, 2024 اردو ► PRINT EDITION ► BR MARKETS ► Dollar to PKR ►
Print - 2007-03-30
LAHORE CULTURAL DIARY: Two good events conclude, other two begin

LAHORE CULTURAL DIARY: Two good events conclude, other two begin

The annual 'Lahore Spring Festival' and 'Pakistan-India Drama Festival' concluded this week, and other two ie, 'International Puppet Festival' and annual 'Mela Chiraghaan' began in the city this past weekend maintaining a chain of enjoyable cultural activ
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Dubai Islamic Bank and Chekkerz sign MoU

Dubai Islamic Bank and Chekkerz sign MoU

Dubai Islamic Bank Pakistan Limited and Chekkerz (Private) Limited have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to provide the bank's auto finance customers the security of state-of-the-art-vehicle tracking system offered by Chekkerz.
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Remembering our Legends: Nisar Bazmi - demise of a perceptive composer

Remembering our Legends: Nisar Bazmi - demise of a perceptive composer

Octogenarian Nisar Bazmi, who composed scores of mellifluous, hit songs for the listening pleasure of millions of music buffs in the sub-continent, died in Karachi on March 22, 2007. He was suffering from a plethora of ailments associated with old age at
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Bank Al Habib approves annual accounts

Bank Al Habib approves annual accounts

Shareholders of the Bank Al Habib Limited have approved the annual accounts and consolidated accounts of the Bank for the year ended December 31, 2006. According to a press release issued here, it was decided in an Annual general meeting of the Bank held
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
CAPITAL CULTURAL SCENE: Heritage renditions: The return of She

CAPITAL CULTURAL SCENE: Heritage renditions: The return of She

Pakistan Day always coincides with the blossoming spring symbolising the aspirations and indomitable resolution of the people to build a society on the cherished values emanating from their cultural heritage, based on peace, progress and prosperity.
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Bank Al Habib approves annual accounts

Bank Al Habib approves annual accounts

Shareholders of the Bank Al Habib Limited have approved the annual accounts and consolidated accounts of the Bank for the year ended December 31, 2006. According to a press release issued here, it was decided in an Annual general meeting of the Bank held
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Therapeutic benefits of fruits and vegetables

Therapeutic benefits of fruits and vegetables

Many plants with medicinal value are cultivated in the horticulture sector. Pharmacology, the science of drugs and medicines, is dependent on these plants. Fruits and vegetables provide the vitamins and minerals which are lacking in the staple foods.
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
ABL earns record profit of Rs 7.574 billion

ABL earns record profit of Rs 7.574 billion

Allied Bank Limited (ABL) has posted a record profit of Rs 7.574 billion during 2006 and declared 25 percent cash and 20 percent bonus share. According to ABL announcement on Thursday, 61st annual general meeting held on March 29, at Lahore, adopted the a
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
ABL earns record profit of Rs 7.574 billion

ABL earns record profit of Rs 7.574 billion

Allied Bank Limited (ABL) has posted a record profit of Rs 7.574 billion during 2006 and declared 25 percent cash and 20 percent bonus share. According to ABL announcement on Thursday, 61st annual general meeting held on March 29, at Lahore, adopted the a
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
ACJ Rana Bhagwandas: symbol of a unique cultural phenomenon

ACJ Rana Bhagwandas: symbol of a unique cultural phenomenon

The highlight of the week was the swearing-in of Justice Rana Bhagwandas as the new Acting Chief Justice and Chairman of the Supreme Judicial Council, at the Supreme Court Registry in Karachi on Saturday, March 24. He is the first Hindu and the second non
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Meezan Bank earns Rs 780 million pre-tax profit

Meezan Bank earns Rs 780 million pre-tax profit

Meezan Bank Limited has earned pre-tax profit of Rs 780 million registering a growth of 23.2 percent in the year 2006. The bank's financial result was announced in the 11th Annual General Meeting, which was held at a hotel in Karachi, on Thursday. Irfan S
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
The Holy Prophet's way of preaching-I

The Holy Prophet's way of preaching-I

An important requirement of religion is that its followers should also continue to urge others to adopt and adhere to it. It is this requirement of religion for which the terms da'wah (preaching) and tabligh (propagation) are used.
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Meezan Bank earns Rs 780 million pre-tax profit

Meezan Bank earns Rs 780 million pre-tax profit

Meezan Bank Limited has earned pre-tax profit of Rs 780 million registering a growth of 23.2 percent in the year 2006. The bank's financial result was announced in the 11th Annual General Meeting, which was held at a hotel in Karachi, on Thursday. Irfan S
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
HRW wheat bids steady to firmer

HRW wheat bids steady to firmer

US Plains hard red winter wheat basis bids were steady to firmer on Thursday, with tight supplies in the country underpinning the market, merchants said. The Gulf track market basis jumped 4 cents a bushel to 80 cents over the Kansas City Board of Trade M
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Credit Suisse plans to launch operations

Credit Suisse plans to launch operations

Credit Suisse has announced its intention to launch operations in Karachi. The initial business focus will enhance its equity research coverage of Pakistani companies.
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Singapore bunker fuel prices rise

Singapore bunker fuel prices rise

Singapore bunker prices rose by $1 a tonne on Thursday but its differential to fuel oil values fell to $6-$7, as sellers cut offers to spur demand, traders said. Prices for 380-centistoke (cst) bunker fuel were pegged at $333-$335 a tonne, and its differe
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Credit Suisse plans to launch operations

Credit Suisse plans to launch operations

Credit Suisse has announced its intention to launch operations in Karachi. The initial business focus will enhance its equity research coverage of Pakistani companies.
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Activity at Karachi and Qasim ports

Activity at Karachi and Qasim ports

The Karachi Port handled 76,566 tonnes cargo including 53,540 tonnes import, 23,026` tonnes export cargo and 4,499 containers during last 24 hours ending at 0700 hours on Thursday.
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Credit Suisse plans to launch operations

Credit Suisse plans to launch operations

Credit Suisse has announced its intention to launch operations in Karachi. The initial business focus will enhance its equity research coverage of Pakistani companies.
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Corn futures down

Corn futures down

Corn futures at the Chicago Board of Trade closed lower on Wednesday on long-liquidation ahead of Friday's USDA March planting intentions report, traders said. Bear spreading weighed on the nearby contracts and traders said there also was some soy/corn sp
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
''DRRA staff cannot act like excise officer''

''DRRA staff cannot act like excise officer''

In a landmark judgement, the Customs, Central Excise and Sales Tax Appellate Tribunal, Islamabad has ruled that the staff of Directorate General of Revenue Receipt Audit (DRRA) is not authorised to operate as excise officers and have no jurisdiction to en
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
US Midwest bids for corn steady, soyabean mixed

US Midwest bids for corn steady, soyabean mixed

Spot basis bids for corn were mostly steady at elevators and processors around the US Midwest on Wednesday while soyabean bids were mixed, grain dealers said.
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
'DRRA staff cannot act like excise officer'

'DRRA staff cannot act like excise officer'

In a landmark judgement, the Customs, Central Excise and Sales Tax Appellate Tribunal, Islamabad has ruled that the staff of Directorate General of Revenue Receipt Audit (DRRA) is not authorised to operate as excise officers and have no jurisdiction to en
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Grain and oilseed market closed

Grain and oilseed market closed

The Karachi Grain market remained close on Thursday due to the death of a member of the grain and seeds merchant's group, a press release of the group said.
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
'DRRA staff cannot act like excise officer'

'DRRA staff cannot act like excise officer'

In a landmark judgement, the Customs, Central Excise and Sales Tax Appellate Tribunal, Islamabad has ruled that the staff of Directorate General of Revenue Receipt Audit (DRRA) is not authorised to operate as excise officers and have no jurisdiction to en
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Indonesia revises up cocoa exports

Indonesia revises up cocoa exports

Indonesia has revised up figures on cocoa bean exports from its main growing area on Sulawesi island as some shipments were previously not counted.
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Money supply drops

Money supply drops

Incremental money supply, which on March 10 surged to Rs 350.2 billion or 10.25 percent up over its June 30 level, dropped to Rs 335.5 billion or 9.82 percent on March 17. This has happened despite the fact that private sector bank borrowing over the week
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
FOB Gulf corn and soya hold steady; HRW wheat rises

FOB Gulf corn and soya hold steady; HRW wheat rises

US FOB Gulf soyabean and corn export premiums held steady on Wednesday, despite a sharp rise in soyabean futures at the Chicago Board of Trade, traders said. Hard red winter wheat basis offers were slightly firmer amid tight old-crop supplies, while soft
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Money supply drops

Money supply drops

Incremental money supply, which on March 10 surged to Rs 350.2 billion or 10.25 percent up over its June 30 level, dropped to Rs 335.5 billion or 9.82 percent on March 17. This has happened despite the fact that private sector bank borrowing over the week
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Vietnam's 2007-08 coffee crop to fall eight percent

Vietnam's 2007-08 coffee crop to fall eight percent

Vietnam's next coffee harvest starting this October will produce fewer beans than the previous bumper crop because of dry weather and lower yields, industry experts said on Thursday, with one estimating an 8-percent fall.
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Money supply drops

Money supply drops

Incremental money supply, which on March 10 surged to Rs 350.2 billion or 10.25 percent up over its June 30 level, dropped to Rs 335.5 billion or 9.82 percent on March 17. This has happened despite the fact that private sector bank borrowing over the week
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
CBOT wheat futures up

CBOT wheat futures up

Wheat futures at the Chicago Board of Trade closed higher on Wednesday as firms covered short positions and aligned themselves ahead of key US government crop data at week's end, traders said. Wheat is the only CBOT grain market in which funds are believe
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Textile machinery imports down 34 percent

Textile machinery imports down 34 percent

Importers and industrialists are reluctant to import textile machinery due to non-announcement of a proposed textile package by the government. This was primarily aimed to fix the textile machinery import at zero-rating duty, bringing about the decline by
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Business remains at low level on cotton market

Business remains at low level on cotton market

Business was seen at low level again on the cotton market on Thursday as needy spinners only remained active ahead of the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA) report, dealers said.
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Textile machinery imports down 34 percent

Textile machinery imports down 34 percent

Importers and industrialists are reluctant to import textile machinery due to non-announcement of a proposed textile package by the government. This was primarily aimed to fix the textile machinery import at zero-rating duty, bringing about the decline by
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Cotton prices closing up to peak levels

Cotton prices closing up to peak levels

Recent sessions in the ready cotton market have made it clear that lint prices are poised not only to attain seasonal high level of Rs 2750 per maund (37.32 kgs) which was achieved on 10th of September 2006 for the current crop (2006-07), but even surpass
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Textile machinery imports down 34 percent

Textile machinery imports down 34 percent

Importers and industrialists are reluctant to import textile machinery due to non-announcement of a proposed textile package by the government. This was primarily aimed to fix the textile machinery import at zero-rating duty, bringing about the decline by
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Cotton prices closing up to peak levels

Cotton prices closing up to peak levels

Recent sessions in the ready cotton market have made it clear that lint prices are poised not only to attain seasonal high level of Rs 2750 per maund (37.32 kgs) which was achieved on 10th of September 2006 for the current crop (2006-07), but even surpass
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Saarc summit in Delhi from Tuesday

Saarc summit in Delhi from Tuesday

The two-day Saarc Summit will begin in New Delhi on Tuesday. The Indian Foreign Secretary Shiv Shankar Menon told that the Summit would focus on connectivity, co-operation and other issues including terrorism.
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
NYBoT cotton stocks fall

NYBoT cotton stocks fall

Certificated cotton stocks deliverable against New York Board of Trade's (NYBOT) No 2 cotton futures contract as of March 27 totalled 646,517 (480-lb) bales, from 646,754 bales the previous session. There were 4,784 bales issued, 13,147 bales were awaitin
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
New York coffee futures up

New York coffee futures up

US arabica coffee futures edged up to a firmer settlement on Wednesday in quiet trading dominated by options selling that kept prices rangebound, traders said. "It's keeping us in and around $1.10 to $1.15. There's been heavy selling of the May options so
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Need stressed to push Indo-Pak leaders to improve trade ties

Need stressed to push Indo-Pak leaders to improve trade ties

Leader of trade delegation and President, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) India, Sanjay Bhatia has emphasised the need of pressurising political leaders of both the countries to act fast and improve trade, economic and political relations.
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
New York cocoa settles higher

New York cocoa settles higher

US cocoa futures closed up 1.7 percent on Wednesday, sustaining high levels last seen nearly four years ago and recovering from the previous day's losses on speculative buying, traders said.
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Kiwis thrash West Indies

Kiwis thrash West Indies

New Zealand beat West Indies by 7 wickets chasing a target of 178 in their World Cup Super Eights match at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium here, on Thursday.
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
MGE wheat gains

MGE wheat gains

Hard red spring wheat futures on the Minneapolis Grain Exchange closed higher on Wednesday, buoyed by strength in Chicago wheat as traders positioned ahead of key data due on Friday from the US Department of Agriculture, traders said. May spring wheat set
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Kiwis thrash West Indies

Kiwis thrash West Indies

New Zealand beat West Indies by 7 wickets chasing a target of 178 in their World Cup Super Eights match at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium here, on Thursday.
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
US copper futures higher

US copper futures higher

US copper futures took their cue from a rallying oil market to close higher in thin volume on Wednesday, after brief volatility caused by concerns over the economy.
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
US gold higher

US gold higher

Rising crude oil prices, concerns about a slowing economy and ongoing geopolitical tensions drove US gold futures to a higher finish on Wednesday, and analysts said they remained bullish on the precious metal's outlook. Most-active gold futures for April
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Tokyo gold weaker on oil

Tokyo gold weaker on oil

Tokyo gold futures fell slightly on Thursday as weaker crude oil encouraged position unwinding by market participants ahead of the end-March fiscal book closings.
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Fierce clashes leave 5 foreigners dead in Wana

Fierce clashes leave 5 foreigners dead in Wana

At least five foreign militants were killed while five local tribesmen were also injured in fresh clashes on Thursday in the locality of Azam Warsak area of the South Waziristan.
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Gold off four-week high

Gold off four-week high

Gold slipped on Thursday to track weaker crude oil, but tensions between Iran and the West looked set to continue to support the precious metal. Dealers expected volatile trade ahead, but they remained bullish on gold as higher oil prices stoke inflationa
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Fierce clashes leave 5 foreigners dead in Wana

Fierce clashes leave 5 foreigners dead in Wana

At least five foreign militants were killed while five local tribesmen were also injured in fresh clashes on Thursday in the locality of Azam Warsak area of the South Waziristan.
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Malaysian tin

Malaysian tin

Malaysian tin fell 4.1 percent on Thursday, dragged down by lower prices on the London Metal Exchange and selling pressure, one trader said.
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
New markets to be explored for export boost: Shaukat

New markets to be explored for export boost: Shaukat

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz inaugurated 3rd Expo Pakistan 2007 on Thursday at Karachi Expo Centre at a graceful and colourful ceremony. Talking to media, the Prime Minister said that Expo Pakistan was the most important exhibition of the country held ever
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Indian soya futures rise, sugar mixed

Indian soya futures rise, sugar mixed

Indian soyoil futures firmed on Thursday tracking global prices of palm and soy, while sugar contracts were mixed in thin trading on uncertainties about exports. By 0905 GMT, April soyoil futures on the National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX)
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
New markets to be explored for export boost: Shaukat

New markets to be explored for export boost: Shaukat

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz inaugurated 3rd Expo Pakistan 2007 on Thursday at Karachi Expo Centre at a graceful and colourful ceremony. Talking to media, the Prime Minister said that Expo Pakistan was the most important exhibition of the country held ever
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Oil stands near six-month high

Oil stands near six-month high

Oil held near its highest close in over six months on Thursday as traders weighed rising risk to Gulf supplies from mounting tension between Iran and the West. Small draws in weekly US product and crude stocks were overshadowed by fears surrounding the wo
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
New markets to be explored for export boost: Shaukat

New markets to be explored for export boost: Shaukat

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz inaugurated 3rd Expo Pakistan 2007 on Thursday at Karachi Expo Centre at a graceful and colourful ceremony. Talking to media, the Prime Minister said that Expo Pakistan was the most important exhibition of the country held ever
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
US cotton sowings down

US cotton sowings down

US cotton plantings are expected to fall sharply this year as farmers switch to corn, where values have spiked to a 10-year high, analysts said on Wednesday. A survey by Reuters of industry analysts and brokers showed they expect US 2007 cotton plantings
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Asia Gasoil/Jet: heavy stock levels depress jet-kero

Asia Gasoil/Jet: heavy stock levels depress jet-kero

Asian middle distillates extended gains on Thursday, as US crude futures kept within range of $64 a barrel, with fresh data on heavy Singapore stocks pushing jet-kerosene into a deeper contango.
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
New York sugar finishes mostly up

New York sugar finishes mostly up

Raw sugar futures settled mostly higher on Wednesday, with nearby months getting a boost from trade buying as the market was seen staying in a band waiting for leads on its next move, brokers said. The New York Board of Trade's May raw sugar contract edge
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Soya futures up

Soya futures up

Soyabean futures at the Chicago Board of Trade closed up sharply on Wednesday amid climbing crude oil markets and a race to new contract highs in soyaoil, traders said. CBOT soyabeans closed 13 to 15 cents per bushel higher, with May up 13-3/4 at $7.70-3/
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
CBOT rice settles higher

CBOT rice settles higher

Rough rice futures at the Chicago Board of Trade closed sharply higher on Wednesday on short-covering ahead of key US government crop reports on Friday, traders said. May rice ended up 25 cents, or 2.5 percent, at $10.05 per hundredweight. July was up 24
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Tocom rubber down on stop-loss selling

Tocom rubber down on stop-loss selling

Tokyo rubber futures ended around 1 percent lower on Thursday as a firmer yen triggered stop-loss selling, but falling supply and firm crude oil prices limited losses.
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Malaysian palm oil futures end unchanged

Malaysian palm oil futures end unchanged

Malaysia's crude palm oil futures closed nearly unchanged on Thursday as the market awaited March export numbers due to be released by cargo surveyors at the weekend. The benchmark third-month June contract on the Bursar Malaysia Derivatives Exchange fini
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Kyrgyz leader recalls decision to sack officials

Kyrgyz leader recalls decision to sack officials

Kyrgyz leader Kurmanbek Bakiyev, locked in a messy dispute with the opposition, recalled a decision to sack top officials on Wednesday after his harshest critics snubbed an offer to form a coalition government.
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
EU must cut tuna fishing by half to save bluefin: WWF

EU must cut tuna fishing by half to save bluefin: WWF

The environmental group WWF warned on Thursday that bluefin tuna stocks in the Mediterranean and east Atlantic would collapse within years unless the European Union cuts its fishing of the species by half. "There is no compromise to be had, this is a coun
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Carbon market link to Kyoto in hand: EU

Carbon market link to Kyoto in hand: EU

Plans to connect the European carbon market and carbon trade under the Kyoto Protocol on global warming from 2008 are proceeding despite technical issues, a European Commission official said on Wednesday. Member state talks to introduce the necessary rule
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Hindustan announces $4.5 billion chip plant investment

Hindustan announces $4.5 billion chip plant investment

India's Hindustan Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp (HSMC) said on Wednesday it would invest up to 4.5 billion dollars to build two chipmaking facilities in a licensing tie-up with leading German chipmaker Infineon Technologies.
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Polish central bank signals rate rise soon

Polish central bank signals rate rise soon

Poland's central bank kept interest rates on hold on Wednesday but gave a strong signal it would raise the country's borrowing costs in the near future to ensure that inflation stays close to its target.
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
German data flag acceleration in eurozone inflation

German data flag acceleration in eurozone inflation

German inflation accelerated slightly quicker than expected this month, official figures showed on Wednesday, raising the prospect of a moderate increase in price pressures in the 13-nation eurozone.
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Chile jobless rise

Chile jobless rise

Chile's jobless rate in the December-to-February period rose to 6.4 percent, while industrial production expanded 4.6 percent, the National Statistics Institute (INE) said on Wednesday.
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Turkey to take step forward in EU bid

Turkey to take step forward in EU bid

Turkey's slowed European Union accession bid will take a step forward on Thursday when EU states and Ankara open talks on a second policy area, EU officials said. It will be only the second of 35 chapters that must be completed before Turkey can join the
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Siemens sinks deeper into swamp of bribery, corruption

Siemens sinks deeper into swamp of bribery, corruption

Siemens, one of Germany's best-known companies, was pulled deeper into a swamp of alleged corruption on Wednesday with a report that prosecutors had extended a bribery probe to the group's former finance chief. Allegations of widespread corruption and emb
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Gulf Arab investors target Asia as US ties wane

Gulf Arab investors target Asia as US ties wane

Gulf Arab investors are increasingly looking to Asia to invest windfall oil revenue, eager to ride the rise of China and India and diversify away from their traditional ties with the United States.
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
EU takes defiant Spain to court over Endesa battle

EU takes defiant Spain to court over Endesa battle

The European Commission took a defiant Spain to the EU's highest court on Wednesday for interfering in German utility E.ON's 42.3 billion-euro ($56.5 billion) bid for Endesa.
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Fitch sees Asia securitisations up 15 percent this year

Fitch sees Asia securitisations up 15 percent this year

Asia's cross-border securitisation issues may grow about 15 percent in value in 2007, driven by new business from commercial banks keen to improve their capital adequacy ratios, Fitch Ratings said on Wednesday.
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Czechs agree to open talks on US missile shield

Czechs agree to open talks on US missile shield

The Czech government agreed on Wednesday to open talks with the United States on building part of a US missile defence shield in the former communist country, Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek said.
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Jakarta confirms bird flu deaths, makes virus deal

Jakarta confirms bird flu deaths, makes virus deal

Indonesia announced three deaths from bird flu on Wednesday, taking its overall human toll from the virus to 69 fatalities, as its president called for international aid to help affected countries defeat the disease.
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Berlusconi's 'own goal' splits Italian opposition

Berlusconi's 'own goal' splits Italian opposition

Italian opposition leader Silvio Berlusconi may have scored an "own goal" by not supporting an Afghan peace mission in a Senate vote which, instead of showing how weak the government is, split the centre right in two.
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
'US not escalating tension with Iran'

'US not escalating tension with Iran'

The United States insisted on Wednesday it was not escalating tensions with Iran by holding naval exercises in the Gulf and backed British efforts to free 15 sailors and Marines captured last week.
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
UN chief warns of dangerous situation in Middle East

UN chief warns of dangerous situation in Middle East

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon warned the situation in the Middle East was more dangerous than ever in a speech to the opening session of an Arab summit in Riyadh on Wednesday.
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
North Korea desperate for aid amid nuclear woes: UN

North Korea desperate for aid amid nuclear woes: UN

The World Food Programme appealed to donors on Wednesday to separate nuclear diplomacy from humanitarian needs and step up assistance to North Korea to stop millions of people from going hungry.
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Sri Lanka drives Tigers from key stronghold

Sri Lanka drives Tigers from key stronghold

Sri Lankan troops have driven Tamil Tiger rebels from a key stronghold in the island's restive east, the military said on Wednesday, as the government probed how a rebel plane managed to bomb a base in the capital.
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Energy-hungry EU joins race for Central Asian resources

Energy-hungry EU joins race for Central Asian resources

The European Union tiptoed into the race for Central Asia's vast energy resources on Wednesday, but it faces tough competition in a region where both Moscow and Washington are already elbowing hard for control.
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Sudan pledges to end Darfur red tape

Sudan pledges to end Darfur red tape

Sudan, accused of hindering aid in war-ravaged Darfur, signed an agreement with the United Nations on Wednesday pledging to give humanitarian groups better access to the region. Under the deal, the Khartoum government would speed up visas for humanitarian
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
More US college students studying clean energy

More US college students studying clean energy

Concern over global warming has more US college students looking into careers in alternative energy, leading US universities to add new courses on clean energy technologies and the environment.
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Zimbabwe's Tsvangirai freed after detention

Zimbabwe's Tsvangirai freed after detention

Zimbabwe opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai was briefly detained by police at his party headquarters on Wednesday and 10 other activists were arrested. Police spokesman Wayne Bvudzijena said Tsvangirai, who leads the opposition Movement for Democratic Ch
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
PCDA vows to resist privatisation of NWFP hospitals

PCDA vows to resist privatisation of NWFP hospitals

Pakistan Chemist and Druggist Association (PCDA) NWFP on Thursday vowed to resist the privatisation and handing over of three major hospitals of the province to German NGO (GTZ), saying it would directly affect the poor segment of society.
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Tevta launches training programme for Madrassa students

Tevta launches training programme for Madrassa students

On the special instructions of Chief Minister Punjab Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, Technical Education and Vocational Authority (Tevta) has started work on a comprehensive plan to impart technical training to the students of religious seminaries in Punjab besid
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
PESCO CBA cancels protest movement

PESCO CBA cancels protest movement

The Hydro Labour Union CBA of Peshawar Electricity Supply Company (PESCO) Thursday cancelled its protest movement scheduled for next month after holding successful negotiations with Chief Executive of the company.
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Eni and Enel to bid for Yukos assets

Eni and Enel to bid for Yukos assets

Italian energy companies Eni and Enel have joined forces with Russian group ESN to participate in the next auction of assets of the stricken oil company Yukos, Russian media said on Wednesday.
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Vivendi offers new divestitures in BMG deal

Vivendi offers new divestitures in BMG deal

Vivendi's Universal Music has offered new concessions to European regulators in a bid to avoid formal charges against its proposed 1.63 billion euro ($2.18 billion) purchase of BMG Music Publishing, sources familiar with the case said on Wednesday.
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Istithmar targets Asia properties

Istithmar targets Asia properties

Dubai-based investment firm Istithmar, which has a real estate portfolio worth around $7 billion - mainly in the United States - is planning big investments in Asia where it has little exposure, an executive said on Tuesday.
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
German metals union demands improved pay offer

German metals union demands improved pay offer

A key regional branch of Germany's IG Metall union said on Wednesday it would stage temporary work stoppages from the end of next month if employers did not improve an offer of a 3 percent pay raise.
Published 30 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Previous Day