Interbank buy/sell rates for the taka against the dollar on Thursday. 69.06/69.06 (previous 69.06/69.06). Call Money Rates: 0.10-3.50 percent (previous 0.10-3.50 percent).
The yen touched a seven-week high against the dollar amid gains across the board on Wednesday, as a worse-than-expected US private-sector jobs report boosted the safe-haven appeal of the Japanese currency. The yen also jumped to seven-week highs against t
The Taiwan dollar strengthened against the US dollar on Thursday on foreign fund inflows after advances in local stocks and exporters' deals. "Foreign investors remained net buyers of Taiwan's stocks, lending support to the local currency," said a dealer
The yuan was flat against the dollar on Thursday after an official with the People's Bank of China (PBOC) said the central bank was unlikely to raise either interest rates or banks' reserve requirement ratio. The unnamed central bank official was cited in
Philippine share prices closed 0.17 percent lower on Thursday, tracking Wall Street, dealers said. The composite index lost 4.90 points to 2.803.31 while the all-shares index fell 0.20 percent to 1.790.02. Turnover was moderate with 3.541 billion shares w
Malaysian shares closed up 0.48 percent Thursday on gains in finance and property blue chips, dealers said. The Kuala Lumpur Composite Index gained 5.65 points to 1,173.66. Advancers outnumbered losers 454 to 169. "Intermittent profit-taking was evident t
Seoul shares ended flat on Thursday after volatile trade, with automakers such as Hyundai Motor retreating following strong gains, but rises by banking issues lent the market support. The Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) finished up 0.02 percent
Chinese stocks soared 4.8 percent to close higher across the board on Thursday after a top regulator assured investors that the country's market was healthy, sparking hopes of government policy support and technically driven buying after the market's rece
Japan's Nikkei average lost 0.6 percent on Thursday as exporters fell on worries about the US economy after dismal jobs data, but Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma rose on news it would bid for a US drug firm. Dainippon Sumitomo opened up nearly 8 percent after a
US stocks fell on Wednesday as jitters about the economy prompted investors to unload some shares for a fourth-straight day even after a sharp drop in the previous session. Major indexes fluctuated between positive and negative territory throughout the da
New Zealand share prices closed 0.55 percent higher Thursday after gains in China stocks provided support for some Asian markets, dealers said. The benchmark NZX-50 index rose 16.92 points to 3,091.57 on turnover worth 125 million dollars (84 million US).
US Treasuries prices climbed on Wednesday, pushing benchmark yields to seven-week lows, as unexpectedly weak private-sector jobs data highlighted uncertainty over the nascent economic recovery. The release of minutes from the Federal Reserve's last policy
US Treasuries prices climbed on Wednesday, pushing benchmark yields to seven-week lows, as unexpectedly weak private-sector jobs data highlighted uncertainty over the nascent economic recovery. The release of minutes from the Federal Reserve's last policy
Singapore shares closed 1.11 percent higher Thursday on gains in selected chips, dealers said. The blue chip Straits Times Index rose 28.43 points to 2,598.36. Volume totalled 2.82 billion shares worth 1.81 billion Singapore dollars. Singapore's three mai
Taiwan stocks ended up 0.92 percent at a more than one-month closing high on Thursday, with AU Optronics outperforming after the LCD company said it was considering building a panel plant in China. The main TAIEX share index closed 64.88 points higher at
Asian bond spreads extended their widening trend for a fourth day on Thursday after disappointing US jobs data, while newly issued debt from Chinese property developer Country Garden gained. "The market is still in risk aversion mode. The bias is for the
Indonesian shares closed 1.59 percent higher Thursday, spurred by bargain-buying in commodity-related stocks due to rising oil prices, dealers said. The Jakarta Composite Index added 36.33 points to 2,322.25 in moderate trade. Big miner Aneka Tambang rose
Asian bond spreads extended their widening trend for a fourth day on Thursday after disappointing US jobs data, while newly issued debt from Chinese property developer Country Garden gained. "The market is still in risk aversion mode. The bias is for the
A leading European business group in China said Wednesday that Beijing was backtracking on the implementation of reforms aimed at opening up the world's third largest economy to foreign firms. "In many sectors there is a slowdown, even a partial reversal,
Standard & Poor's has no immediate plan to change South Korea's A rating or its stable outlook on the debt of Asia's fourth-largest economy. Kim Eng Tan, a credit analyst at the firm, told Reuters in an interview on Thursday South Korean banks' heavy reli
President Asif Ali Zardari is said to have agreed to transfer his powers relating to the appointment of the service chiefs, the chairman of joint chiefs of staff committee and governors to the prime minister. He has informed a parliamentary committee on c
Standard & Poor's has no immediate plan to change South Korea's A rating or its stable outlook on the debt of Asia's fourth-largest economy. Kim Eng Tan, a credit analyst at the firm, told Reuters in an interview on Thursday South Korean banks' heavy reli
President Asif Ali Zardari is said to have agreed to transfer his powers relating to the appointment of the service chiefs, the chairman of joint chiefs of staff committee and governors to the prime minister. He has informed a parliamentary committee on c
ING has received up to five bids for some or all of its private bank assets up for sale, a source familiar with the sale process said on Thursday, with bids for the full package running close to $2 billion. The source said bids had been submitted for the
Ministers from over 35 countries meeting in New Delhi affirmed their commitment Thursday to moving swiftly to wrap up a new global free-trade pact and help speed up economic recovery. "There was a unanimous affirmation of the need to expeditiously conclud
Brazil's central bank kept benchmark borrowing costs steady on Wednesday as policymakers halted an easing cycle that's been partly credited with jumpstarting Latin America's largest economy. The bank's monetary policy committee, known as the Copom, voted
Ministers from over 35 countries meeting in New Delhi affirmed their commitment Thursday to moving swiftly to wrap up a new global free-trade pact and help speed up economic recovery. "There was a unanimous affirmation of the need to expeditiously conclud
Britain's Lloyds Banking Group has not canvassed major investors over a potential rights issue to reduce dependence on a government-backed insurance scheme for bad loans, a top 15 shareholder said. "Lloyds has not been in contact with any of the major sha
Ministers from over 35 countries meeting in New Delhi affirmed their commitment Thursday to moving swiftly to wrap up a new global free-trade pact and help speed up economic recovery. "There was a unanimous affirmation of the need to expeditiously conclud
China's banking regulator has decided to delay the implementation of a new rule that was set to place tougher restrictions on what would count towards banks' capital base, domestic media reported on Thursday. The rules, released last month, would exclude
The Lahore High Court here Thursday while fixing the retail price of sugar at Rs 40 per kg, directed the Punjab Government to ensure its availability in open market at any cost.
Jose Manuel Barroso vowed on Thursday to seek more co-operation within the European Union and the eurozone if elected for a second five-year term as president of the EU's executive European Commission. Closer ties within the blocs are needed to ward off e
The Lahore High Court here Thursday while fixing the retail price of sugar at Rs 40 per kg, directed the Punjab Government to ensure its availability in open market at any cost.
Norway's economy will recover quicker than previously thought in 2010 and benefit from record investment in the oil and gas sector next year, Statistics Norway (SSB) said on Thursday. The SSB said mainland gross domestic product, a measure that strips out
The Lahore High Court here Thursday while fixing the retail price of sugar at Rs 40 per kg, directed the Punjab Government to ensure its availability in open market at any cost.
South Korea's economy grew faster than expected in the second quarter but much of it was due to stimulus spending and the central bank is likely to remain cautious about raising rates anytime soon. Underlining officials' concerns over the strength of the
The US government, which is hoping to start interviewing visa applicants at its Consulate in Karachi soon, has decreased the number of business visas for Pakistan from 100 to 90 per week, a spokesperson of the US Embassy told Business Recorder from
The worst dry spell in nearly four decades pushed up food prices in India by an annual 14.5 percent in the week to August 22, adding to worries that wholesale price inflation is poised to accelerate in coming months. The widely watched wholesale price ind
The US government, which is hoping to start interviewing visa applicants at its Consulate in Karachi soon, has decreased the number of business visas for Pakistan from 100 to 90 per week, a spokesperson of the US Embassy told Business Recorder from
There are worrying signs of a credit crunch developing in Germany and Italy and the European Union should take urgent action to loosen capital requirements for banks, German and Italian employer groups said on Thursday. In a joint letter to European Commi
The US government, which is hoping to start interviewing visa applicants at its Consulate in Karachi soon, has decreased the number of business visas for Pakistan from 100 to 90 per week, a spokesperson of the US Embassy told Business Recorder from
Spain will withdraw its anti-crisis spending gradually in order to avoid a double-dip recession, Economy Minister Elena Salgado said on Thursday. "We will take it away gradually, and we still don't have a timetable. What we want to avoid is taking away th
Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani on Thursday said that he will soon invite chief ministers of all the four provinces to discuss the price situation in the country. He said the federal government wants a uniform policy in all the provinces. Talking to medi
French unemployment rose in the second quarter to its highest level in three years, data showed on Thursday, and Economy Minister Christine Lagarde said it would get worse before economic recovery reaches the labour market. The quarterly jobless rate, acc
Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani on Thursday said that he will soon invite chief ministers of all the four provinces to discuss the price situation in the country. He said the federal government wants a uniform policy in all the provinces. Talking to medi
Eurozone retail sales defied expectations of a rebound and fell in July, pulled down mainly by lower sales of food, drinks and tobacco in a sign consumer demand is yet to benefit from any nascent economic recovery. Retail sales in the 16-country euro area
The Sindh High Court (SHC) has ordered sale of 95020 tons of sugar that was pledged with Soneri Bank by Dewan Sugar Limited. The order was passed on the application of Soneri Bank Limited.
The European Central Bank kept interest rates unchanged at a record low of 1.0 percent on Thursday, and warned that now was not the time to withdraw state support as economies emerge slowly from recession. President Jean-Claude Trichet said the eurozone f
The Sindh High Court (SHC) has ordered sale of 95020 tons of sugar that was pledged with Soneri Bank by Dewan Sugar Limited. The order was passed on the application of Soneri Bank Limited.
The European Central Bank kept interest rates unchanged at a record low of 1.0 percent on Thursday, and warned that now was not the time to withdraw state support as economies emerge slowly from recession. President Jean-Claude Trichet said the eurozone f
Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani on Thursday said that he will soon invite chief ministers of all the four provinces to discuss the price situation in the country. He said the federal government wants a uniform policy in all the provinces. Talking to medi
The European Central Bank kept interest rates unchanged at a record low of 1.0 percent on Thursday, and warned that now was not the time to withdraw state support as economies emerge slowly from recession. President Jean-Claude Trichet said the eurozone f
The Sindh High Court (SHC) has ordered sale of 95020 tons of sugar that was pledged with Soneri Bank by Dewan Sugar Limited. The order was passed on the application of Soneri Bank Limited.
European Union antitrust regulators launched an in-depth probe on Thursday into Oracle's $7 billion take-over of Sun Microsystems on concerns the deal could dent competition in the database market. "The (European) Commission has an obligation to ensure th
US retailers reported August sales that showed some signs that the economic downturn was easing, but a late Labour Day holiday and muted consumer enthusiasm weighed on the key back-to-school season. Consumers still focused on essentials and saving money a
New applications for jobless benefits in the United States fell last week, while activity in the services sector was at its strongest in nearly a year in August, suggesting a modest recovery from recession had started. A Labour Department report on Thursd
The global economic crisis is not over and unemployment will still go up in the months to come, the leaders of Britain, France and Germany warned on Thursday before a meeting of G20 policymakers in London this weekend. In a letter to their European Union
Two security personnel were killed while three others sustained injuries when unknown miscreants ambushed a convoy of the Frontier Corps in Tump area of district Kech, Thursday evening. A miscreant was also killed when the FC retaliated fire. According to
The White House will report on September 10 on the number of jobs saved and created under President Barack Obama's $787 billion program to jump-start the economy, an administration official said on Thursday. Obama's economic stimulus plan, passed by the U
Christians and other religious minorities in Pakistan live in fear of persecution and even execution or murder on false charges of blasphemy against Islam, the World Council of Churches (WCC) says. The Council, a global body linking Protestant and Orthodo
US antitrust officials on Thursday approved plans by General Motors Co to acquire certain assets of bankrupt Delphi Corp GM is purchasing Delphi's global steering business and four of the parts supplier's plants it used to own in New York and Indiana. Del
Christians and other religious minorities in Pakistan live in fear of persecution and even execution or murder on false charges of blasphemy against Islam, the World Council of Churches (WCC) says. The Council, a global body linking Protestant and Orthodo
Gold steadied on Thursday after a round of light profit taking by regional traders, a day after a rally in New York briefly sent the metal above $980 an ounce, up over $20 from late Asian trade the previous day. But activity was slow as investors kept the
Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani is likely to call on Sharif brothers during his visit to Lahore. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) sources told that chances of a meeting between Prime Minister and Sharif brothers could not be ruled out to extend goodwill
Oil was steady above $68 on Thursday, after settling unchanged a day earlier, as a steep fall in US gasoline inventories offset a smaller-than-expected drop in crude stocks in the world's top energy user. By 0540 GMT, US crude for October delivery was up
A key aide to Britain's defence secretary resigned Thursday over the war in Afghanistan. Eric Joyce, the parliamentary private secretary to Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth, said there were "problems" over Prime Minister Gordon Brown's government's handlin
US gold futures rallied more than 2 percent to end near $980 an ounce on Wednesday, marking the biggest one-day percentage gain since March, boosted by safe-haven demand amid renewed worries about the financial sector. December gold settled up $22, or 2.3
A key aide to Britain's defence secretary resigned Thursday over the war in Afghanistan. Eric Joyce, the parliamentary private secretary to Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth, said there were "problems" over Prime Minister Gordon Brown's government's handlin
Malaysian tin snapped a five-day losing streak to rise 0.7 percent on Thursday due to low supplies and support from higher London Metal Exchange prices, one dealer said.
Opposition supporters went on the rampage across oil-rich Gabon Thursday, torching a French consulate and attacking a prison, after the son of the country's late leader was declared winner of a bitter presidential election. Disturbances were reported in s
Malaysian crude palm oil futures fell 1.2 percent to hit a fresh 5-week low as prospects of higher global vegetable oil supplies as well as uncertain financial markets and weak technicals sapped sentiment. Weaker US soyoil on account of favourable weather
Opposition supporters went on the rampage across oil-rich Gabon Thursday, torching a French consulate and attacking a prison, after the son of the country's late leader was declared winner of a bitter presidential election. Disturbances were reported in s
US soybean futures on the Chicago Board of Trade reached a 1-1/2 week low on Wednesday, pressured by outlooks for a record-large 2009 soy harvest, traders said. Good crop conditions coupled with weather forecasts for no crop-killing frost for next two wee
EU foreign ministers will discuss efforts to get Iran to return to international talks over its nuclear program at a two-day meeting starting in Stockholm on Friday. Diplomats say that new sanctions from the 27-member bloc aren't on the table, and that th
Raw sugar futures closed down 2.3 percent on Wednesday, on technical selling and the expectation that buying from top consumer India has eased, pulling the market off Tuesday's 28-1/2-year top, traders said. The key October raw sugar contract dropped 0.56
EU foreign ministers will discuss efforts to get Iran to return to international talks over its nuclear program at a two-day meeting starting in Stockholm on Friday. Diplomats say that new sanctions from the 27-member bloc aren't on the table, and that th
Key Tokyo rubber futures once again topped the key 200 yen mark on Thursday after recouping earlier losses on a rise in Shanghai shares. Trade in Tokyo rubber futures has been volatile this week with prices climbing as high as 214.5 yen per kg on Monday,
Gold jumped to a record high of Rs 30,000 a tola (11.664 grams) after gaining Rs 620 in local bullion market Thursday after its international prices climbed to $983 an ounce, market sources said. President Karachi Saraf Jewellers Association Haji Haroon R
US rice futures on the Chicago Board of Trade slipped on Wednesday, falling for the second straight day amid spillover weakness from other CBOT markets as traders eye big crops. September ended down 9 cents at $13.62-1/2 per cwt. November closed 7-1/2 low
Gold jumped to a record high of Rs 30,000 a tola (11.664 grams) after gaining Rs 620 in local bullion market Thursday after its international prices climbed to $983 an ounce, market sources said. President Karachi Saraf Jewellers Association Haji Haroon R
The US government should ask the World Trade Organisation (WTO) for a compliance panel to evaluate whether changes made to the US export credit guarantee program comply with trade rules, cotton farmers and allied groups said on Wednesday. They are concern
Gold jumped to a record high of Rs 30,000 a tola (11.664 grams) after gaining Rs 620 in local bullion market Thursday after its international prices climbed to $983 an ounce, market sources said. President Karachi Saraf Jewellers Association Haji Haroon R
Shanghai copper prices rose 3 percent on Thursday and London futures reversed early losses as a rise in equities stabilised the market, but traders see more weakness in the near term as the market faces "a wall of worry". A 4.8 percent surge in Chinese eq
Two security personnel were killed while three others sustained injuries when unknown miscreants ambushed a convoy of the Frontier Corps in Tump area of district Kech, Thursday evening. A miscreant was also killed when the FC retaliated fire. According to
Good current cotton crop (2009-2010) prospects, much higher yarn prices and generally improving political situation have imparted a positive outlook to the overall cotton economy of Pakistan. Though there remain breaches of law, continuing political confr
The global recession is coming to an end faster than thought just a few months ago and may already be over, according to forecasts published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development on Thursday. The recovery may even prove a little st
US copper futures bounced from a 1-1/2-week low to end higher on Wednesday, buoyed by a steadier tone in equities following three straight days of declines and a weaker dollar. Copper for December delivery ended up 0.75 cent at $2.8260 a lb on the New Yor
The global recession is coming to an end faster than thought just a few months ago and may already be over, according to forecasts published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development on Thursday. The recovery may even prove a little st
Good current cotton crop (2009-2010) prospects, much higher yarn prices and generally improving political situation have imparted a positive outlook to the overall cotton economy of Pakistan. Though there remain breaches of law, continuing political confr
The global recession is coming to an end faster than thought just a few months ago and may already be over, according to forecasts published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development on Thursday. The recovery may even prove a little st
Hard red winter wheat futures fell to a nine-month low at the Kansas City Board of Trade on Wednesday on pressure from abundant supplies and light demand around the globe, traders said. September hard red winter wheat futures fell 3 cents to $4.91-1/4 a b
The Ministry of Textile has issued three notifications for the implementation of Textile Policy. According to notifications, textile manufacturers will receive three- percent drawback on garments, two percent on home textile and one percent on fabrics, a
Good business was seen on the cotton market on Thursday as slight fall in prices attracted the mills, dealers said. The official spot rate was unchanged at Rs 3475, they said. In the ready business over 10,000 bales changed hands between Rs 3425-3575, the
The Ministry of Textile has issued three notifications for the implementation of Textile Policy. According to notifications, textile manufacturers will receive three- percent drawback on garments, two percent on home textile and one percent on fabrics, a
Bullish trend was again witnessed on the forward cottonseed oilcake market on Thursday as there was fresh interest in new purchasing, dealers said. The December vaida started with a rise of 20 paisa at Rs 899.50, the January contract also gained 30 paisa
The Ministry of Textile has issued three notifications for the implementation of Textile Policy. According to notifications, textile manufacturers will receive three- percent drawback on garments, two percent on home textile and one percent on fabrics, a
Chinese soyabean buyers will probably limit their imports in the week ahead, following a slump in domestic soyameal and soyaoil prices, an official survey released on Thursday showed. But lower imports in August and September, coupled with a smaller domes