News Archives for Print - 2010-04-01

Aaj TV - Thursday's schedule

All timings are in PST (Pakistan Standard Time).

Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

There's no immediate risk to ratings: Moody's

Political wrangling in Pakistan is hampering the government's ability to focus on economic issues but poses no immediate risk to its sovereign ratings, Moody's Investors Service said on Wednesday. Moody's has a B3 sovereign rating for Pakistan with a stab

Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Activity at Karachi and Qasim ports

The Karachi Port handled 64,942 tonnes of cargo including 46,323 tonnes of import cargo; 18,619 tonnes of export cargo and 330 loaded and empty containers during last 24 hours ended at 0700 hours on Wednesday. The total import cargo of 46,323 tonnes compr

Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

There's no immediate risk to ratings: Moody's

Political wrangling in Pakistan is hampering the government's ability to focus on economic issues but poses no immediate risk to its sovereign ratings, Moody's Investors Service said on Wednesday. Moody's has a B3 sovereign rating for Pakistan with a stab

Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Kenya's best grade tea prices up

The average price of Kenya's best grade Broken Pekoe Ones rose slightly to $3.59 per kg from $3.55 per kg last week, brokers said on Wednesday. Africa Tea Brokers (ATB) said Best BP1s sold at between $4.22-$2.95 per kg from $3.95-$3.14 last week. Best BP1

Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Economic cooperation, agriculture and investment: Pakistan and Turkey sign three MoUs

Pakistan and Turkey signed three Memoranda of Understanding in the areas of economic co-operation, agriculture and investment. President Asif Ali Zardari and Turkish President Abdullah Gul witnessed the signing ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr as the representati

Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

HRW wheat bids steady

Hard red winter wheat basis bids in the US Plains were steady on Wednesday with the market eying new crop development but little movement noted in the country. A turn to warmer weather was expected to accelerate lagging development of the new winter wheat

Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Economic cooperation, agriculture and investment: Pakistan and Turkey sign three MoUs

Pakistan and Turkey signed three Memoranda of Understanding in the areas of economic co-operation, agriculture and investment. President Asif Ali Zardari and Turkish President Abdullah Gul witnessed the signing ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr as the representati

Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Chinese traders warned of buying Argentina's soyaoil

A trade body under China's Ministry of Commerce urged traders in a meeting not to buy soyaoil from Argentina, a trader who attended the meeting said on Wednesday. The trader cited officials at a meeting of the Chamber of Commerce for Import & Export of Fo

Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Economic cooperation, agriculture and investment: Pakistan and Turkey sign three MoUs

Pakistan and Turkey signed three Memoranda of Understanding in the areas of economic co-operation, agriculture and investment. President Asif Ali Zardari and Turkish President Abdullah Gul witnessed the signing ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr as the representati

Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Kenyan coffee prices decline

The top price for Kenya's benchmark grade AA coffee fell by about $200 per 50-kg bag at this week's auction due to a dip in quality as the season draws to a close, auction authorities and traders said on Wednesday. The Nairobi Coffee Exchange said AA grad

Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Chechen rebels say behind Moscow attacks

Chechen rebels claimed responsibility on Wednesday for two suicide bombings that killed 39 people in the Moscow metro and threatened further attacks in the Russian heartland. In a video on Islamist rebel website www.kavkazcenter. com, Chechen rebel leader

Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

South African maize deliveries up

Maize deliveries to South African silos rose last week, data showed on Wednesday, while maize futures ended lower, in line with international trends on the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT). Total maize deliveries rose to 11.375 million tonnes in the week to

Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Chechen rebels say behind Moscow attacks

Chechen rebels claimed responsibility on Wednesday for two suicide bombings that killed 39 people in the Moscow metro and threatened further attacks in the Russian heartland. In a video on Islamist rebel website www.kavkazcenter. com, Chechen rebel leader

Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Indonesia exchange launches gold futures contract

The Indonesia Commodity & Derivative Exchange (ICDX) said on Wednesday it has launched a gold futures contract to create a local benchmark price on the bullion. "We choose to launch a gold contract to meet demand from the market. This will support transac

Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

New suicide bombings kill 12 in Russia

Suicide bombers killed 12 people Wednesday in double strikes targeting police in Russia's turbulent North Caucasus, shaking the country just two days after attacks in Moscow left 39 dead. Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said the latest attack in the North C

Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Asian rice prices little changed

Asian rice prices were little changed on Wednesday as intervention schemes provided support, but the market remained soft due to a seasonal rise in supply and news of possible Thai sales from government stockpiles. The price of Thailand's 100 percent B gr

Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

New suicide bombings kill 12 in Russia

Suicide bombers killed 12 people Wednesday in double strikes targeting police in Russia's turbulent North Caucasus, shaking the country just two days after attacks in Moscow left 39 dead. Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said the latest attack in the North C

Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Oil cake market rates

Firm trend was seen on the forward cottonseed oilcake market on Wednesday in process of trading, dealers said. The May contract had ended at Rs 996.30 and commenced with a rise of 50 paisa at Rs 996.80, dealers said. The new July vaida that closed at Rs 9

Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Afghan peace talks end with no headway, more expected

A guerrilla group has met Afghan President Hamid Karzai a second time, bringing an initial round of peace talks to a close with no breakthrough but with a commitment to continue, a member of the team said on Wednesday. With the insurgency at the most viol

Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Lint prices, spot rate up on cotton market

Shortage of unsold stock and rising cotton yarn demand pushed the prices higher on the cotton market on Wednesday amid improved business, dealers said. The Karachi Cotton Association (KCA) official spot rate was raised by Rs 25 to Rs 5475, dealers said. I

Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Afghan peace talks end with no headway, more expected

A guerrilla group has met Afghan President Hamid Karzai a second time, bringing an initial round of peace talks to a close with no breakthrough but with a commitment to continue, a member of the team said on Wednesday. With the insurgency at the most viol

Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Milk powder prices up on Jodia Bazar

The trading in milk powder skimmed ended up on Jodia Bazar here on Wednesday. The following changes were noted.

Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

NAB PG, PSO to Rehman Malik sacked

Taking a belated action towards implementation of the SC verdict on the NRO after a passage of 104 days, the federal government on Wednesday sacked the top law officer of the National Accountability Bureau, Danishwar Malik and Principal Staff Officer to t

Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Prices mixed in improved activity on grain market

New interest was seen among the buyers on the local wholesale grain and oilseed markets on Wednesday, dealers said. On the seed side castorseed Lasbela was higher by Rs 200 to Rs 2100 and castorseed Sindh picked up the same amount at Rs 2000. Cottonseeds

Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

NAB PG, PSO to Rehman Malik sacked

Taking a belated action towards implementation of the SC verdict on the NRO after a passage of 104 days, the federal government on Wednesday sacked the top law officer of the National Accountability Bureau, Danishwar Malik and Principal Staff Officer to t

Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

US copper rises

US copper futures stretched to a new 19-month peak Tuesday morning, supported by improved risk sentiment and economic recovery optimism reflected in better-than-expected consumer confidence data. Copper for May delivery up 3.95 cents, or 1.1 percent, to $

Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Senate passes Banks Nationalisation (Amendment) Bill, 2004

The Senate on Wednesday passed ''''The Banks (Nationalisation) (Amendment) Bill, 2004'''' to further amend the Banks Nationalisation Act 1974 on the plea that the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) classify House Building Finance Corporation (HBFC) as a non-ban

Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Shanghai copper falls

London copper fell nearly 1 percent on Wednesday weighed by a rise in the dollar and concern about a supply surplus in China, the world's top consumer of industrial metals. Sluggish spot prices in China imply that demand in the physical market is rather w

Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Senate passes Banks Nationalisation (Amendment) Bill, 2004

The Senate on Wednesday passed ''The Banks (Nationalisation) (Amendment) Bill, 2004'' to further amend the Banks Nationalisation Act 1974 on the plea that the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) classify House Building Finance Corporation (HBFC) as a non-banking

Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

US rice surges

US rice futures closed higher on Tuesday on a technical bounce after Monday's plunge to a nine-month low in the spot month. CBOT May up 20 cents at $12.57-1/2 per hundredweight.

Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Senate passes Banks Nationalisation (Amendment) Bill, 2004

The Senate on Wednesday passed 'The Banks (Nationalisation) (Amendment) Bill, 2004' to further amend the Banks Nationalisation Act 1974 on the plea that the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) classify House Building Finance Corporation (HBFC) as a non-banking i

Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Tokyo rubber edges down

Key Tokyo rubber futures inched down but stayed near an 18-month high on Wednesday, ending the quarter up 12 percent and marking their fifth quarterly gain in a row on a steady improvement in rubber demand. The key Tokyo Commodity Exchange rubber contract

Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Senate passes Banks Nationalisation (Amendment) Bill, 2004

The Senate on Wednesday passed 'The Banks (Nationalisation) (Amendment) Bill, 2004' to further amend the Banks Nationalisation Act 1974 on the plea that the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) classify House Building Finance Corporation (HBFC) as a non-banking i

Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

New York sugar posts strong gains

Raw sugar futures finished with healthy gains of more than 2 percent on Tuesday, as investors bet sugar will move higher after consolidating last week's slide to multi-month lows, traders. The May raw sugar contract rose 0.37 cent, or 2.11 percent, to end

Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Turkey asked to expedite PTA, close anti-dumping probe

Pakistan on Wednesday stressed on Turkey to move fast on the challenging Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) and terminate anti-dumping investigations against Pakistani air conditioners and refrigerators, official sources told Business Recorder.

Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

US soyabeans higher

US soyabean futures closed higher on Tuesday and nearby May led the way up on shrinking US soya supplies and concern about labour unrest in Argentina. CBOT May up 6-1/2 cents at $9.74 per bushel. Funds even. May-November widened 5-1/2 cents and May/Novemb

Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Turkey asked to expedite PTA, close anti-dumping probe

Pakistan on Wednesday stressed on Turkey to move fast on the challenging Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) and terminate anti-dumping investigations against Pakistani air conditioners and refrigerators, official sources told Business Recorder.

Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Malaysian palm oil futures move up

Malaysia crude palm oil futures made little upward progress on Wednesday as firmer ringgit offset stronger global markets and higher export data. Benchmark June crude palm oil futures on the Bursa Malaysia Deravatives Exchange ended up 0.2 percent or 6 ri

Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Turkey asked to expedite PTA, close anti-dumping probe

Pakistan on Wednesday stressed on Turkey to move fast on the challenging Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) and terminate anti-dumping investigations against Pakistani air conditioners and refrigerators, official sources told Business Recorder.

Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Oil ends steady in Asia

Oil, steady above $82 on Wednesday, was headed for its fifth consecutive quarterly gain as recovering demand outweighs ample supplies and concern over monetary tightening in leading economies. Front-month crude futures on the New York Mercantile Exchange

Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Belgian lawmakers vote to ban burqa in public

An influential committee of Belgian lawmakers voted Wednesday to impose a nation-wide ban on wearing the burqa in public, paving the way for the first clampdown of its kind in Europe. The federal parliament's home affairs committee voted unanimously to en

Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

US gold drops

US gold futures dropped on Tuesday, falling toward $1,100 an ounce on month-end position squaring and liquidation pressure related to contract rollover, traders said. COMEX June down $5.80 at $1,105.70 an ounce at 10:32 am EDT (1432 GMT). Ranged $1,104.40

Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Belgian lawmakers vote to ban burqa in public

An influential committee of Belgian lawmakers voted Wednesday to impose a nation-wide ban on wearing the burqa in public, paving the way for the first clampdown of its kind in Europe. The federal parliament's home affairs committee voted unanimously to en

Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Gold ticks higher in Asian trade

Gold ticked higher on short covering on Wednesday after the euro steadied against the US dollar, but the metal remains vulnerable to selling pressure after previous failed attempts to test new highs. While heading for its sixth consecutive quarter of gain

Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Germany and France call for international bank levy

Germany and France said on Wednesday bank levies should be imposed internationally to ensure a level playing field and called for national bank restructuring rules to be embedded in a European framework. France is the latest country to seek a levy on bank

Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

South Korean president cements low interest rate view

South Korea's president told the new central bank chief on Wednesday to co-ordinate with other countries in unwinding stimulus policy, reinforcing investors' view that interest rates will stay low for a few more months. Bond futures extended gains on the

Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Germany and France call for international bank levy

Germany and France said on Wednesday bank levies should be imposed internationally to ensure a level playing field and called for national bank restructuring rules to be embedded in a European framework. France is the latest country to seek a levy on bank

Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Currency chaos has shaken North Korea: analyst

North Korea's botched currency reform has shaken the reclusive communist regime to its core and may hasten its bankruptcy or force it to reach out to neighbouring nations, analysts said Wednesday. "The currency revaluation has shaken the foundations as No

Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Germany and France call for international bank levy

Germany and France said on Wednesday bank levies should be imposed internationally to ensure a level playing field and called for national bank restructuring rules to be embedded in a European framework. France is the latest country to seek a levy on bank

Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Saudi banks' profit fall 15 percent

Saudi banks' profit fell 14.8 percent in the January-February period, central bank data showed on Wednesday, ahead of first-quarter earnings announcements, adding to concerns over their profit outlook for 2010. Separately, Cairo-based Beltone Financial sa

Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Chinese government asked to finance rail link projects worth $6 billion

Pakistan has requested China to finance Pakistan Railways projects, costing over $6 billion, to develop rail link with Iran, Central Asian States, and European countries in a bid to enhance trade with neighbouring countries, Business Recorder has l

Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

China mulling proposals to adjust yuan next month

The Chinese government is reviewing proposals to adjust its currency exchange rate system next month, Chinese media reported, as international pressure grows on Beijing to revalue the yuan. The proposals include giving the yuan a more flexible exchange ra

Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Chinese government asked to finance rail link projects worth $6 billion

Pakistan has requested China to finance Pakistan Railways projects, costing over $6 billion, to develop rail link with Iran, Central Asian States, and European countries in a bid to enhance trade with neighbouring countries, Business Recorder has l

Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Libya to privatise half of economy in decade

Half of Libya's economy will shift into private hands within 10 years, a privatisation official said, creating opportunities for foreign investors to snap up assets in the oil-exporting country. After decades of Socialist-style economic policy and interna

Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Chinese government asked to finance rail link projects worth $6 billion

Pakistan has requested China to finance Pakistan Railways projects, costing over $6 billion, to develop rail link with Iran, Central Asian States, and European countries in a bid to enhance trade with neighbouring countries, Business Recorder has l

Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

S&P downgrades Kuwait's KIPCO twice in a week

Standard and Poor's has lowered the rating of Kuwait's biggest private holding firm Kuwait Projects Co for a second time in a week, but with a stable outlook, a statement said Wednesday. S and P downgraded KIPCO's long-term and short-term corporate credit

Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

PSO to start E-10 sale in Sindh from April 4

The Pakistan State Oil (PSO) will resume sale of E-10 fuel, in major cities in Sindh, from April 4, 2010. In the first phase, the sale of E-10 would be started at 38 outlets in major cities of Sindh in the next three days, the spokesperson of PSO told

Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Ericsson wins $1.3 billion deal in India

Ericsson said on Wednesday it had won a $1.3 billion network expansion contract from top Indian operator Bharti Airtel, its third major order in three days, and its largest deal in eight months. Ericsson said it will expand and upgrade Bharti Airtel's GSM
Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

PSO to start E-10 sale in Sindh from April 4

The Pakistan State Oil (PSO) will resume sale of E-10 fuel, in major cities in Sindh, from April 4, 2010. In the first phase, the sale of E-10 would be started at 38 outlets in major cities of Sindh in the next three days, the spokesperson of PSO told
Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

India to take EU to WTO over drugs

India is ready to launch a formal dispute against the European Union at the World Trade Organisation over EU seizures of Indian generic drugs, the Indian Trade Secretary said on Wednesday. "I am ready. I have my legal briefs ready," Rahul Khullar told Reu
Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

PSO to start E-10 sale in Sindh from April 4

The Pakistan State Oil (PSO) will resume sale of E-10 fuel, in major cities in Sindh, from April 4, 2010. In the first phase, the sale of E-10 would be started at 38 outlets in major cities of Sindh in the next three days, the spokesperson of PSO told
Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

EADS defence boss sees acquisitions to spur growth

Europe's EADS is ready to launch piecemeal acquisitions abroad to expand its defence business in the face of domestic spending cuts, its top defence executive said on Wednesday. In an annual review of the group's 5 billion euros ($6.71 billion) Defence an
Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Bulls command proceedings on ISE

Bulls commanded the proceedings at the Islamabad Stock Exchange (ISE) where equities showed healthy signs under the lead of hot favourite amid increase in index. ISE Ten Index was plus by 32.38 points as the ISE Ten Index moved from 2,410.01 to 2,442.39 p
Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Sony, Toshiba to sell liquid crystal display plants

As the volatile liquid crystal display industry continues to restructure after the global slump, Japanese electronics giants Sony and Toshiba said Wednesday they were selling LCD plants to rivals. With high competition and falling prices forcing a revalua
Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Bulls command proceedings on ISE

Bulls commanded the proceedings at the Islamabad Stock Exchange (ISE) where equities showed healthy signs under the lead of hot favourite amid increase in index. ISE Ten Index was plus by 32.38 points as the ISE Ten Index moved from 2,410.01 to 2,442.39 p
Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Boeing to take charge for healthcare reform

Boeing Co on Wednesday said it would take an income tax charge of about $150 million, or 20 cents per share, against first-quarter results due to recently enacted US healthcare reform. Starting in 2013, Boeing will no longer be able to claim an income tax
Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

LSE index gains 43.68 points

Bullish sentiment dominated the Lahore Stock Exchange on Wednesday and equities registered gains on account of investors' fresh interest in select companies. The LSE-25 index moved up by 43.68 points to 3201.20 points against 3157.52 points of Tuesday, wh
Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Japan's new export orders hit six-year high

New export orders won by Japanese firms jumped to the highest in almost six years in March in a sign the manufacturing sector will likely keep recovering on demand in emerging markets such as China, a survey showed on Wednesday. But as companies struggled
Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

LSE index gains 43.68 points

Bullish sentiment dominated the Lahore Stock Exchange on Wednesday and equities registered gains on account of investors' fresh interest in select companies. The LSE-25 index moved up by 43.68 points to 3201.20 points against 3157.52 points of Tuesday, wh
Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Moody's downgrades credit rating for Greek banks

International ratings agency Moody's on Wednesday downgraded five Greek banks by one notch due to a weakening in their financial strength and the country's difficult economic outlook. Moody's said it downgraded their deposit and debt ratings due "to a wea
Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

March tax collection Rs 42.4 billion short of target

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has provisionally collected Rs 92.6 billion in March, against the target of Rs 135 billion, reflecting a shortfall of Rs 42.4 billion. According to figures compiled here on Wednesday, provisional revenue collection for M
Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Swiss, US agree to upgrade UBS tax information deal

Swiss authorities said Wednesday that Bern and Washington have agreed to upgrade an out-of-court settlement for banking giant UBS to overcome a legal hitch that had threatened the deal. The two countries and the Swiss bank agreed in August that it would r
Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

March tax collection Rs 42.4 billion short of target

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has provisionally collected Rs 92.6 billion in March, against the target of Rs 135 billion, reflecting a shortfall of Rs 42.4 billion. According to figures compiled here on Wednesday, provisional revenue collection for M
Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Markets recognising 'courageous' Greek moves: Trichet

European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichet said on Wednesday he expected markets to reward Greece for its fiscal consolidation measures. Trichet also said economic growth in the eurozone would be modestly positive this year and pick up speed in 2
Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

March tax collection Rs 42.4 billion short of target

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has provisionally collected Rs 92.6 billion in March, against the target of Rs 135 billion, reflecting a shortfall of Rs 42.4 billion. According to figures compiled here on Wednesday, provisional revenue collection for M
Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

US private sector sheds jobs in March

US private employers unexpectedly shed more jobs in March, dampening hopes for job growth ahead of Friday's key employment report. Adding to the day's weaker sentiment, US Midwest business activity expanded less than expected in March while a gauge of New
Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

POL prices increased

The government Wednesday made maximum increase of Rs 3.50 in oil products prices in line with the global oil prices. The new prices will be effective from Thursday (April 1). The price of petrol has been increased by Rs 2.57 per liter, HOBC by Rs 1.50 per
Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Opec undecided on action if oil breaks $70-80 band

Opec officials on Tuesday appeared undecided on how to respond if oil prices rose definitively above the $70-80 a barrel range they have praised this month, highlighting a looming challenge for the cartel. Although prices have held calmly within this band
Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

POL prices increased

The government Wednesday made maximum increase of Rs 3.50 in oil products prices in line with the global oil prices. The new prices will be effective from Thursday (April 1). The price of petrol has been increased by Rs 2.57 per liter, HOBC by Rs 1.50 per
Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Eight being charged in UK insider dealing case

Eight suspects are being charged in a British insider trading case related to activities at the London printers for Swiss bank UBS AG and UK broker Cazenove, according to a lawyer. Michael Potts, a lawyer with Byrne & Partners, said his client Paresh Shah
Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

POL prices increased

The government Wednesday made maximum increase of Rs 3.50 in oil products prices in line with the global oil prices. The new prices will be effective from Thursday (April 1). The price of petrol has been increased by Rs 2.57 per liter, HOBC by Rs 1.50 per
Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Australia retail sales drop

Australian retail sales suffered their biggest fall in a year in February as higher interest rates ate into consumers' spending power, a surprisingly weak result that cast doubts on chances of an interest rate hike next week. The Australian dollar shed ha
Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

History made at night

The Parliamentary Committee on Constitutional Reforms (PCCR) on Wednesday night signed the draft of constitutional package on 18th Amendment Bill with consensus, resolving the thorny issues of renaming of NWFP and appointment of judges of superior courts.
Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Irish banks look beyond 'bad bank', recession

Bank of Ireland will raise from private sources much of the 2.7 billion euros ($3.6 billion) it needs, potentially becoming the only member of Ireland's "bad bank" scheme to escape a fresh bailout. The bank's statement on Wednesday that it was in fundrais
Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

History made at night

The Parliamentary Committee on Constitutional Reforms (PCCR) on Wednesday night signed the draft of constitutional package on 18th Amendment Bill with consensus, resolving the thorny issues of renaming of NWFP and appointment of judges of superior courts.
Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Eurozone inflation jumps, unemployment hits 10 percent

Eurozone inflation rose much more than expected this month and the unemployment rate reached 10 percent in February, data showed, highlighting the fragility of economic recovery. Inflation in the 16-country area was 1.5 percent year-on-year, the highest s
Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Turkish economy emerges from recession

Turkey emerged from a crippling recession with strong 6.0-percent growth in the fourth quarter, official data showed on Wednesday, supporting analysts' forecasts of similar growth this year. The growth in gross domestic product (GDP) - which exceeded mark
Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Brazil policy director quits central bank

The director of economic policy at Brazil's central bank stepped down on Wednesday, kicking off a shuffle on the bank's board that could also include its president Henrique Meirelles. Mario Mesquita, one of the strongest advocates of the central bank's in
Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Obama announces drilling expansion for climate push

US President Barack Obama announced on Wednesday plans for a broad expansion of offshore oil and gas drilling in an effort to win Republican support for new proposals to fight climate change. Obama, a Democrat, said his administration would consider new a
Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

South Korean bonds rebound

South Korean government bond prices advanced on Wednesday after a weaker leading indicator and President Lee Myung-bak's comment to the incoming central bank governor boosted hopes that policy rates would stay low. The debt market started higher on expect
Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Toronto stocks edge up

Toronto's main stock index went for a wobbly ride on Tuesday and ended slightly higher as gains in its heavyweight energy and financial sectors were offset by weaker gold and technology shares. The energy sector, up 1.1 percent, was the biggest gainer as
Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Taiwan stocks fall three percent

Taiwan stocks closed down 0.53 percent on Wednesday, and marking the first quarterly loss in more than a year. A further decline is expected on investor concern that Asian governments could tighten their monetary policies further. The main TAIEX finished
Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Wall Street ends firmer

US stocks rose in a slow session on Tuesday on data showing more stabilisation in the economy, while Apple Inc rallied on a report that it was developing a new iPhone. With the S&P 500 now up 73.4 percent from the March 2009 bottom and on track for a four
Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

US bond prices end little changed

US government debt prices were little changed on Tuesday, as a sense of calm spread before the end of the first quarter and investors moved to the sidelines ahead of Friday's payroll data. There was lingering anxiety over burgeoning public debt and its im
Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Hong Kong, Shanghai stocks end lower

Hong Kong stocks retreated from a two-week closing high to fall 0.63 percent on Wednesday, weighed down by HSBC after the US government decided to sell its stake in Citigroup. The benchmark Hang Seng Index closed 135.44 points lower at 21,239.35, snapping
Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Seoul shares slip

Seoul shares fell on Wednesday led by steelmakers such as POSCO after it agreed with suppliers to pay more for coking coal, but analysts said the market's second quarter outlook was rosy. The Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) finished down 0.43 pe
Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Tokyo stocks finish at 18-month high

Japan's Nikkei average hit an 18-month intraday high before paring gains on Wednesday, the final day of the financial year, but further gains were expected in the new quarter as a global economic recovery picks up strength. In what could be an indicator o
Published 01 Apr, 2010 12:00am

Currency	Rate
USD PKR Interbank Selling / Nov 18	277.93
USD PKR Interbank Buying / Nov 18	277.73
USD to Japanese Yen / Nov 18	154.71
USD to Swiss Franc / Nov 18	0.89
Pound Sterling to USD / Nov 18	1.26
Euro to USD / Nov 18	1.05

Stock	Volume
S&P 500 / Nov 15	5,870.62
Nasdaq / Nov 15	18,680.12
Dow Jones / Nov 15	43,444.99
India Sensex / Nov 18	77,426.82
Tokyo Nikkei / Nov 18	38,220.85
Hang Seng / Nov 18	19,562.62
FTSE 100 / Nov 18	8,080.78
Germany DAX 30 / Nov 18	19,274.60

Item	Value
Crude Oil USD/Barrel / Nov 18	67.17
Karachi Cotton PKR/37.32 KG / Nov 18	18,085
Gold 10 Grams PKR / Nov 18	231,396
Gold Spot USD/Ounce / Nov 18	2,583.36
Cotton US¢/pound / Nov 18	69.03
Petrol/Litre / Nov 19	248.38

Stock	Price
786 Invest Ltd / Nov 19 786 Investments Limited(786)	6.33 ▼ 0.00 (0.00%)
AL-Abbas Sugar / Nov 19 Al-Abbas Sugar Mills Limited(AABS)	609.73 ▼ 0.00 (0.00%)
Agro Allianz / Nov 19 Agro Allianz Limited(AAL)	16 ▼ 0.00 (0.00%)
AL-Abid Silk / Nov 19 Al-Abid Silk Mills Limited(AASM)	3.49 ▼ 0.00 (0.00%)
Ali Asghar / Nov 19 Ali Asghar Textile Mills Limited(AATM)	56.65 ▼ 0.00 (0.00%)
Allied Bank / Nov 19 Allied Bank Limited(ABL)	115.07 ▼ 0.00 (0.00%)
Abbott Lab. / Nov 19 Abbott Laboratories (Pakistan) Limited(ABOT)	1,008.83 ▼ 0.00 (0.00%)
Abson Ind. / Nov 19 Abson Industries Limited(ABSON)	2.50 ▼ 0.00 (0.00%)
Alfalah ETF. / Nov 19 Alfalah Consumer Index ETF.(ACIETF)	12.43 ▼ 0.00 (0.00%)

Stock	Price
786 Invest Ltd / Nov 19 786 Investments Limited(786)	6.33 ▲ 0.00 (0.00%)
AL-Abbas Sugar / Nov 19 Al-Abbas Sugar Mills Limited(AABS)	609.73 ▲ 0.00 (0.00%)
Agro Allianz / Nov 19 Agro Allianz Limited(AAL)	16 ▲ 0.00 (0.00%)
AL-Abid Silk / Nov 19 Al-Abid Silk Mills Limited(AASM)	3.49 ▲ 0.00 (0.00%)
Ali Asghar / Nov 19 Ali Asghar Textile Mills Limited(AATM)	56.65 ▲ 0.00 (0.00%)
Allied Bank / Nov 19 Allied Bank Limited(ABL)	115.07 ▲ 0.00 (0.00%)
Abbott Lab. / Nov 19 Abbott Laboratories (Pakistan) Limited(ABOT)	1,008.83 ▲ 0.00 (0.00%)
Abson Ind. / Nov 19 Abson Industries Limited(ABSON)	2.50 ▲ 0.00 (0.00%)
Alfalah ETF. / Nov 19 Alfalah Consumer Index ETF.(ACIETF)	12.43 ▲ 0.00 (0.00%)

Stock	Volume
WorldCall Telecom / Nov 19 Worldcall Telecom Limited(WTL)	77,999,077 ▲ 0.00
Fauji Foods Ltd / Nov 19 Fauji Foods Limited(FFL)	70,721,702 ▲ 0.00
Hascol Petrol / Nov 19 Hascol Petroleum Limited(HASCOL)	55,501,231 ▲ 0.00
K-Electric Ltd. / Nov 19 K-Electric Limited(KEL)	36,884,955 ▲ 0.00
Sui South Gas / Nov 19 Sui Southern Gas Company Limited(SSGC)	36,294,630 ▲ 0.00
D.S. Ind. Ltd. / Nov 19 D.S. Industries Limited(DSIL)	32,226,742 ▲ 0.00
TRG Pak Ltd / Nov 19 TRG Pakistan Limited(TRG)	29,018,611 ▲ 0.00
Pak Int.Bulk / Nov 19 Pakistan International Bulk Terminal(PIBTL)	22,405,457 ▲ 0.00
Treet Battery / Nov 19 Treet Battery Limited(TBL)	21,319,898 ▲ 0.00

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