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Print - 2011-04-08
BoE keeps rates at record low

BoE keeps rates at record low

The Bank of England held interest rates at a record-low 0.5 percent on Thursday, opting to wait for clearer signs of recovery before following the European Central Bank in tightening policy. Although inflation in Britain is almost twice as high as in the
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
US jobless claims fall, retail sales stronger

US jobless claims fall, retail sales stronger

New US claims for jobless benefits fell last week and retailers racked up much stronger-than-expected sales in March, signs that high fuel prices have not knocked the economy off its growth path. Initial claims for state unemployment aid slipped 10,000 to
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Middle East markets: Egypt's index drops

Middle East markets: Egypt's index drops

Egypt's main index dropped to a week-low on Thursday, as property stocks were hit by economic uncertainty and the slow pace of political change, while trading was lacklustre in the rest of the region. All but seven stocks on the Cairo index declined, with
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Bangladesh probe blames regulator for share debacle

Bangladesh probe blames regulator for share debacle

A state-appointed committee probing a recent series of sharp falls in Bangladesh share prices handed its report to the finance minister on Thursday, holding the regulator primarily responsible for the debacle. "Many are to blame share issuers, issue manag
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Nikkei average rises

Nikkei average rises

Short-covering in energy and domestic-demand stocks gave the Tokyo market a nudge higher on Thursday after two days of declines, but trade thinned out with investors jittery ahead of earnings announcements. Market players said the Nikkei average is poised
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Thursday's afternoon trade: markets down after another Japan quake

Thursday's afternoon trade: markets down after another Japan quake

US stocks slipped on Thursday after another powerful earthquake hit Japan, renewing concerns about supply disruptions and the country's ongoing nuclear issue, but markets were off their lows as a number of retailers rallied on strong monthly sales.
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
S&P breaks above 1,333 resistance on light volume

S&P breaks above 1,333 resistance on light volume

The S&P 500 inched forward on relatively light volume on Wednesday, with investors adding selectively to winning positions, this time in technology, avoiding large bets ahead of earnings. After days of struggling, the broader market index broke above the
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Taiwan stocks up

Taiwan stocks up

Taiwan stocks ended up 0.56 percent to a fresh two-month closing high on Thursday, led by gains in tourism and transport shares like China Airlines amid hopes of better business ties between Taiwan and China. However sluggish chip stocks took some of the
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Inflation fears hurt Treasuries

Inflation fears hurt Treasuries

US Treasuries yields rose on Wednesday for a second day with particular weakness in longer-dated securities as investors worried that soaring energy prices would lead to inflation. Breakevens on some Treasury inflation-protected securities, reflecting inf
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Inflation fears hurt Treasuries

Inflation fears hurt Treasuries

US Treasuries yields rose on Wednesday for a second day with particular weakness in longer-dated securities as investors worried that soaring energy prices would lead to inflation. Breakevens on some Treasury inflation-protected securities, reflecting inf
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Indian shares fall

Indian shares fall

Indian shares eased 0.1 percent on Thursday, dropping for a third day as investors took a breather after a steep rise in March, but robust foreign fund inflows affirmed a bullish undertone. Small- and mid-cap stocks climbed as they tried to catch up with
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Most Southeast Asian stocks edge up

Most Southeast Asian stocks edge up

Major Southeast Asian stock markets posted limited gains on Thursday, with continued appetite for risk assets putting big caps in focus and a strong oil market bolstering demand for energy stocks. The easing risk aversion sentiment, generally supported by
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
China shares at 2011 high, Hong Kong flat

China shares at 2011 high, Hong Kong flat

China's benchmark index hit a 2011 high on Thursday and attractive valuations could drive mainland shares higher, while profit taking in overbought blue chip stocks weighed on the Hong Kong index on Thursday. The Hang Seng index closed down 0.01 percent a
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Seoul shares dip

Seoul shares dip

Seoul shares slipped on Thursday weighed by falls in auto and technology exporters, with Samsung Electronics retreating after first quarter earnings estimates that came below the market consensus. The Korea Composite Stock Price Index ended down 0.21 perc
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
New Japan quake halts European stocks rally

New Japan quake halts European stocks rally

European stocks ended lower on Thursday, as a new earthquake and a tsunami alert in north-eastern Japan sparked a late-session bout of profit taking, halting the market's brisk three-week rally. The FTSEurofirst 300 index of top European shares closed 0.3
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
UK's top share index falls

UK's top share index falls

Britain's top share index fell on Thursday after a second large earthquake to strike Japan within a month knocked investor confidence, with traders wary of further losses once Asian markets open. The FTSE 100, which fell more than 4 percent after the Marc
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Yuan hits record high

Yuan hits record high

The yuan closed at its record trading high against the dollar on Thursday as the People's Bank of China fixed its daily mid-point at an all-time high for the fourth day, quickening the pace of the currency's appreciation to help fight inflation.
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Sterling gains versus euro

Sterling gains versus euro

Sterling edged higher against a softer euro on Thursday after the European Central Bank signalled a eurozone interest rate rise earlier in the day was not necessarily the first in a series. The Bank of England left its key interest rate on hold at 0.5 per
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Euro slips in Asia

Euro slips in Asia

The euro slipped from an 11-month high against the yen and 14-month peak versus the dollar as investors focused on how much room the European Central Bank has for raising interest rates beyond a widely expected tightening later in the day. The yen held ab
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Euro steadies in London

Euro steadies in London

The euro was steady on Thursday after the European Central Bank raised rates for the first time since July 2008, but was off its multi-month peaks with investors edgy that expectations for more tightening this year could be dampened. The ECB raised its be
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Early trade in New York: euro falls, yen up

Early trade in New York: euro falls, yen up

The euro slipped against the dollar on Thursday after the president of the European Central Bank said the ECB had not decided if its expected interest rate hike earlier in the day was the first in a series. The yen rose to a session peak against the dolla
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Euro soars versus dollar in New York

Euro soars versus dollar in New York

The euro rose on Wednesday to a 14-month high against the dollar on speculation the European Central Bank will signal further interest rate rises following an expected increase this week, though there's room for disappointment. The yen slid to an 11-month
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Bangladesh's interbank forex and interest rates

Bangladesh's interbank forex and interest rates

Interbank buy/sell rates for the taka against the dollar on Thursday. 72.80/72.86 (previous 72.80/72.83). Call Money Rates: 5.50-12.00 percent (previous 4.25-9.00 percent).
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Indian rupee retreats

Indian rupee retreats

The Indian rupee weakened on Thursday, retreating from a new 5-1/2 month high touched earlier, weighed by the dollar's strength overseas and choppy local shares. The partially convertible rupee closed at 44.20/21 per dollar, after touching 44.0950 earlier
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Australian dollar surges to fresh 29-year peak

Australian dollar surges to fresh 29-year peak

The Australian dollar powered to a fresh 29-year peak against the greenback on Thursday and hit 2.5 year highs on the yen as surprisingly strong employment data revived the case for an interest rate hike. Already on a tear thanks to a global rush into car
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Rupiah suffers biggest daily loss since January

Rupiah suffers biggest daily loss since January

The Indonesian rupiah had its largest loss in three months and some Asian peers also weakened on Thursday as investors covered dollar-short positions on intervention and anticipation of a rate hike by the European Central Bank. As of Wednesday, the baht h
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Euro rates move up

Euro rates move up

Eurozone money market rates rose on Thursday as the European Central Bank raised interest rates and cemented expectations for at least two more rate hikes by year-end as it seeks to cool rising price pressures. The ECB's widely expectedly quarter-point ra
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Zidane to open new Grozny stadium

Zidane to open new Grozny stadium

French football legend Zinedine Zidane will visit Russia's war-torn republic of Chechnya next month, where he will attend the opening of a new stadium, a top local official said Thursday. Akhmad Kadyrov stadium, named for the late Chechen leader who was k
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Fisher grabs early Masters lead

Fisher grabs early Masters lead

England's Ross Fisher grabbed a share of the early clubhouse lead on the opening day of the 75th Masters on Thursday, rebounding from a rocky start to card a three-under par 69. The 30-year-old Ryder Cup star, making his third appearance at Augusta Nation
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Barca crush Shakhtar as Real showdown looms

Barca crush Shakhtar as Real showdown looms

Barcelona took a giant stride towards securing a likely semi-final against arch rivals Real Madrid when they swept to a 5-1 demolition of Shakhtar Donetsk in their Champions League quarter-final first leg on Wednesday. Andres Iniesta starred for the rampa
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Rooney gets two-match ban for tirade

Rooney gets two-match ban for tirade

Manchester United star Wayne Rooney has been banned for two matches following his expletive-laden tirade at a television camera, the FA confirmed Thursday. Rooney will now miss United's upcoming Premier League clash with Fulham as well as their FA Cup sem
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Wozniacki cruises through in Charleston

Wozniacki cruises through in Charleston

World number one Caroline Wozniacki cruised into the third round of the Charleston WTA on Wednesday, as she fought to banish memories of last year's injury disappointment. "I'm feeling good on clay, so it's exciting. It's always exciting to start here," t
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Hastings takes hat-trick in Aussie win

Hastings takes hat-trick in Aussie win

Paceman John Hastings grabbed four wickets, including a hat-trick, as Australia opened their tour of Bangladesh with a 90-run victory in a practice match on Thursday. Australia scored 308-6 against a Bangladesh Cricket Board team, with new skipper Michael
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Sajjad to take part in Asian Grand Prix Series

Sajjad to take part in Asian Grand Prix Series

Asian Athletics Association has selected Pakistan's ace athlete Muhammad Sajjad athlete to participate in the Asian Grand Prix Series 2011. "Sajjad will feature in the event of 110m hurdles in the series which will be held in China," said Mohammad Khalid
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Paceman Aizaz Cheema rules out of West Indies tour

Paceman Aizaz Cheema rules out of West Indies tour

Uncapped Pakistan fast bowler Aizaz Cheema has been ruled out of this month's West Indies tour due to fitness problems. "He has been declared unfit for cricket activities by the board doctors and has been replaced by Sadaf Hussain," a Pakistan Cricket Boa
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Vettori looks to Kumble for inspiration

Vettori looks to Kumble for inspiration

Daniel Vettori is counting on the experience of Indian spin great Anil Kumble as he begins his first stint as captain of Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League. Vettori, part of the Delhi Daredevils line-up in the first three seasons, wa
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Law named as interim coach

Law named as interim coach

Sri Lanka have named Australian Stuart Law as their interim coach for this year's tour of England following Trevor Bayliss's departure after Saturday's World Cup final defeat by India. "We have requested Law to take over as coach for the England tour unti
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Sri Lanka cricket needs clean-up, says Bayliss

Sri Lanka cricket needs clean-up, says Bayliss

Sri Lanka's outgoing coach Trevor Bayliss on Thursday said the country needed a strong and stable cricket administration to allow players to focus only on the game and not be distracted by politics. "On the field, we've done pretty well for past 18 months
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Liverpool announce pre-season tour of Asia

Liverpool announce pre-season tour of Asia

Liverpool will play three matches in Asia in July as part of a pre-season tour that will take in China, Malaysia and Korea, the club said on Thursday. The Premier League side will play one match in Guangzhou, China, then travel to Kuala Lumpur before play
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Women cricket team for Quadrangular cricket series announced

Women cricket team for Quadrangular cricket series announced

As a part of preparations of Pakistan women cricket team for the upcoming Quadrangular cricket series featuring women cricket teams of Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Ireland and Holland have been started here at National Cricket Academy. The Quadrangular cricket se
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
FIFA allows Pakistan women team proper slot in ranking system

FIFA allows Pakistan women team proper slot in ranking system

The current set-up of Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) achieved another milestone when FIFA gave inclusion to Pakistan Women football team properly in the FIFA/Coca-Cola Women's World Ranking. "Under dynamic leadership of PFF President, we have worked h
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Thousands flee deadly tribal clashes in south Sudan

Thousands flee deadly tribal clashes in south Sudan

Thirteen people have been killed in clashes in south Sudan's troubled Mvolo county area, the latest in a wave of violence between rival ethnic groups that has forced 34,000 to flee their homes, officials said on Thursday. "There was more fighting in Mvolo
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
'Superbug' found in New Delhi water

'Superbug' found in New Delhi water

Urgent global action is needed to prevent the spread of a multi-drug-resistant "superbug" after it was found in water supplies in the Indian capital, doctors said in research published Thursday. The study in The Lancet medical journal said that New Delhi
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Egypt detains former Mubarak aide

Egypt detains former Mubarak aide

The Egyptian judiciary ordered on Thursday that the former chief of staff to toppled president Hosni Mubarak be detained for 15 days in an investigation into allegations of illegal gains, the state news agency reported. Zakaria Azmi, who was one of Mubara
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Assad grants Syrian nationality in Kurdish region

Assad grants Syrian nationality in Kurdish region

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad granted citizenship on Thursday to Kurds in eastern Syria, part of attempts to cool resentment over nearly five decades of strict Baathist rule and deflect pro-democracy protests. Popular protests across mostly Sunni Musli
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
UN troops surround Gbagbo's 'last defenders'

UN troops surround Gbagbo's 'last defenders'

United Nations peacekeepers have surrounded the "last defenders" of Ivory Coast incumbent leader Laurent Gbagbo, France said on Thursday, after a week of heavy fighting to unseat him. Forces loyal to rival presidential claimant Alassane Ouattara have been
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Gunman kills 12 in Brazil school massacre

Gunman kills 12 in Brazil school massacre

A gunman fatally shot 12 people at a Rio de Janeiro school before killing himself, police said on Thursday. The incident apparently was unrelated to the city's gang violence. "A former student entered the school with a weapon. It is not known why he fired
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Israel pounds Gaza, kills three after missile hits bus

Israel pounds Gaza, kills three after missile hits bus

Gaza militants on Thursday fired an anti-tank missile at an Israeli school bus, critically injuring a teenager, prompting the army to pound the Strip, killing three and wounding more than 30. After the missile slammed into the bus, the Palestinians lobbed
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Libya war reaching stalemate: US

Libya war reaching stalemate: US

Libya's civil war is reaching stalemate, a senior US general said on Thursday, and rebels fighting to overthrow Muammar Qadhafi said a Nato air strike killed five of their fighters. Wounded rebels being brought to a hospital in Ajdabiyah in rebel-held eas
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Hunger-striker piles pressure on Indian government

Hunger-striker piles pressure on Indian government

A 73-year-old Gandhi devotee who has promised to fast until death unless the government toughens its anti-corruption laws piled pressure on India's graft-tainted administration on Thursday. Anna Hazare began a hunger strike in New Delhi on Tuesday, which
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Turkish government, military spar over trials

Turkish government, military spar over trials

Turkey's government sparred with the military on Thursday amid tension over the trials of retired and active military officers and other alleged coup plotters, some of whom have been in jail for years. This week, top prosecutors investigating the alleged
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Gulf Arabs work on plan for Yemen's Saleh to go

Gulf Arabs work on plan for Yemen's Saleh to go

A Gulf Arab plan for Yemen's president to step down would guarantee the veteran leader and his family immunity from prosecution, an opposition source said on Thursday, but youth activists said that should be rejected. The United States and Gulf Arab count
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
US to pursue Indian tax evaders

US to pursue Indian tax evaders

US tax authorities are probing Indian expatriates who may have hid money offshore in HSBC Bank to evade US taxes, the Justice Department said Thursday. In an expansion of its mounting offensive against overseas tax evasion, the Internal Revenue Service is
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Taiwan inaugurates missile ships

Taiwan inaugurates missile ships

Taiwan's President Ma Ying-jeou inaugurated a squadron of missile boats Thursday as he pledged to continue the island's military build-up to offset the perceived military threat from China. The fleet of 10 locally manufactured missile boats joined the nav
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
US to use Facebook, Twitter to issue terror alerts

US to use Facebook, Twitter to issue terror alerts

The US government's new system to replace the five colour-coded terror alerts will have two levels of warnings elevated and imminent that will be relayed to the public only under certain circumstances for limited periods of time, sometimes using Facebook
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Appointment of PEF directors: LHC issues notice to Punjab government

Appointment of PEF directors: LHC issues notice to Punjab government

Lahore High Court here Thursday issued notice to Punjab government for April 19 in a petition challenging appointment of eight directors of Punjab Education Foundation (PEF). Earlier, the court heard initial arguments of the petitioner and observed that i
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Alleged abductor killed in encounter

Alleged abductor killed in encounter

Anti-Violence Crime Cell (AVCC) of Sindh Police on Thursday claimed to have exterminated an alleged abductor in a shootout at Gulshan-e-Maymar. According to DSP Irfan Ahmed, the team of AVCC on a tip-off conducted a raid at Mullah Essa Barohi Goth Gulshan
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Protest against drone attacks: PTI to stage sit-in on Pak-Afghan highway

Protest against drone attacks: PTI to stage sit-in on Pak-Afghan highway

Chairman Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaaf (PTI), Imran Khan announced that his party would stage a two-day sit-in on the Pak-Afghan highway on April 23-24 to block Nato supply to the Isaf forces stationed in Afghanistan, as protest against the US drone attacks in
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Cotton production likely to be 11.8 billion bales

Cotton production likely to be 11.8 billion bales

Cotton production is expected to be 11.8 billion bales during the current year resulting in a shortfall of 4 billion bales. The Senate Standing Committee on Textile Industry which met here on Thursday with Senator Gul Muhammad Lot in the chair was informe
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Language learning for children: BC, HSBC join hands

Language learning for children: BC, HSBC join hands

In a landmark regional partnership, global banking giant HSBC has signed on to sponsor the British Council's "Kids Read!!" programme aimed at supporting and developing children's reading skills in and out of the classroom.
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
'Devolution to destroy education structure': HEC meeting today

'Devolution to destroy education structure': HEC meeting today

The decision of devolution of Higher Education Commission (HEC) is one of the worst decisions of government and will destroy the structure of higher education in the country, Professor Dr M Umer Farooq Pro Vice-Chancellor of Dow University of Health Scien
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
KSE invites bids for purchase of membership rights/seats

KSE invites bids for purchase of membership rights/seats

The Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) has invited bids for the purchase of membership rights/seats of the KSE from the eligible individuals and corporate bodies, financial institutions /banks (local and foreign). According to a notice issued here on Thursday,
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Malaysia seeks Pakistan's help in livestock sector

Malaysia seeks Pakistan's help in livestock sector

Consul General of Malaysia, Mohammad Khalid Abdul Razak, has said that his country seeks Pakistan's assistance in developing Malaysian livestock which include transfer of technology from Pakistan in artificial segmentation and development of vaccines, col
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Decline in local production: gap between supply, demand of LPG widening

Decline in local production: gap between supply, demand of LPG widening

Federal Minister for Privatisation Syed Naved Qamar said on Thursday that the country was facing a challenge of widening gap between supply and demand of LPG due to decline in local production. The Minister stated this while addressing to the 5th Annual P
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Two dead, 37 injured in IHK road mishaps

Two dead, 37 injured in IHK road mishaps

Two people were killed and 37 others injured in separate road accidents across the valley in Indian Occupied Kashmir. One person was killed and several injured when a vehicle they were travelling in rolled down into a gorge near Jethina on Jammu-Srinagar
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
The enigma of strikes in Karachi

The enigma of strikes in Karachi

It has been long since Karachi and strikes have become synonymous. I remember when we had to go to school and colleges and suddenly there was an announcement that tomorrow is a strike and we began to enjoy that we got a holiday. Now I realise that it has
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Bangladesh, India mull swap of lost land

Bangladesh, India mull swap of lost land

Little bits of India are in Bangladesh, and little bits of Bangladesh are in India. The existence of enclaves on either side of the border is a bizarre anomaly that might finally be solved by a swap. The islands of land result from ownership arrangements
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Mediterranean tragedy highlights migrants' plight

Mediterranean tragedy highlights migrants' plight

For weeks European officials have squabbled over the fate of thousands of migrants cramped in makeshift shelters on Italy's tiny island of Lampedusa, having survived perilous sea journeys from North Africa aboard rickety vessels.
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
POL price hikes - necessary evil?

POL price hikes - necessary evil?

Every month the nation is pelted with fuel price-hike stones and every month the government reconsiders its decision by slightly lowering the rates in response to the people's strong reaction or to please its coalition partners (sic). Adding insult to inj
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Abrupt disbanding of HEC

Abrupt disbanding of HEC

The decision to disband Higher Education Commission (HEC) was intimated to its Chairman Javed Leghari reportedly by Raza Rabbani chairman of the parliamentary committee that is overseeing the implementation of the devolution of ministries identified in th
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Numbers do matter

Numbers do matter

In any functioning democracy numbers do matter. In Pakistan today, if some distortions abound in allocation of resources, electoral misrepresentations and employment opportunities, the principal reason is fudged figures, intentionally or for lack of overs
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
New York cotton futures mixed

New York cotton futures mixed

US cotton futures ended mixed on Thursday, with the front-month May contract recoiling from an intraday limit-up peak, as index fund rollovers heated up and traders readied for a government crop report on Friday. The key May cotton contract on ICE Futures
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
US copper rallies

US copper rallies

Copper ended sharply higher on Wednesday, posting its biggest one-day gain in two weeks as currency-related buying and perceptions of healthier Chinese purchases fed the rally. Copper's strength fed through to the broader base metals complex, with nickel
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Shanghai copper up

Shanghai copper up

Copper prices edged lower on Thursday in London, while Shanghai futures rose 0.3 percent, with sentiment underpinned after Rio Tinto said it expected a market deficit of half a million tonnes in 2011 and shortages through 2013. The most-active copper futu
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Copper up on Portugal aid

Copper up on Portugal aid

Copper reached its highest price levels in about two weeks on Thursday after Portugal announced it would accept a bailout from the European Commission, but then pared some gains as a new earthquake hit Japan. Copper for three-month delivery on the London
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Malaysian palm oil falls 1.6 percent

Malaysian palm oil falls 1.6 percent

Malaysia palm oil futures fell 1.6 percent on Thursday as traders keep their focus on higher March production of the tropical although some market players point to improving demand this month. A Reuters survey showed plantations are looking at Malaysian p
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
New York cocoa rises

New York cocoa rises

Cocoa futures ended firmer on Wednesday, recouping recent losses as the prolonged conflict between presidential rivals in top grower Ivory Coast failed to be resolved as quickly as hoped. Tuesday's optimism for a near-term resumption of cocoa exports dimm
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Tokyo rubber futures up

Tokyo rubber futures up

Key Tokyo rubber futures edged higher on Thursday, supported by a weaker yen and rising oil prices, though they were capped by a sluggish Shanghai market and caution over a recent spike in prices. The key Tokyo Commodity Exchange rubber contract for Septe
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
US soya up 2-1/2 cents

US soya up 2-1/2 cents

US soyabean futures unofficially closed higher on Wednesday, buoyed by profit-taking in the corn/soyabean spreads, which had been heavily favouring corn in recent days, traders said. The upbeat close ended a three-day losing streak for soyabeans, and offe
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Liffe cocoa lower

Liffe cocoa lower

Liffe July cocoa ended 7 pounds lower at 1,914 pounds a tonne on Thursday. Market treading water as traders keep a close watch on developments in top producer Ivory Coast. Liffe July robusta coffee ended $54 higher at $2,443 a tonne, supported by a fund-d
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Oil rises to 2-1/2 year high

Oil rises to 2-1/2 year high

Oil prices ended at 2-1/2-year highs on Thursday as supply worries tied to fighting in Libya and Middle East turmoil overshadowed demand concerns spurred by a boost in eurozone interest rates and as a major aftershock struck Japan. Brent crude for May del
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
US gold hits record for second day

US gold hits record for second day

US gold futures rose to an all-time high for a second straight day on Wednesday as the US dollar fell to a 14-month low against the euro ahead of an expected interest rate hike from the European Central Bank (ECB). COMEX June gold futures settled up $6 at
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Gold slips in Asia

Gold slips in Asia

Gold ticked lower to hover below a record on Thursday ahead of an expected eurozone interest rate hike, while ETF holdings dropped to their lowest in almost a year as investors shifted some of their money into other markets. Spot gold eased $2.31 to $1,4
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Gold hits fresh record high in London

Gold hits fresh record high in London

Gold hit a fresh record high near $1,465 an ounce on Thursday after European Central Bank president Jean-Claude Trichet indicated the rate hike announced by the bank earlier may not be the first in a series. Spot gold hit a record $1,464.80 an ounce and w
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
US MIDDAY: coffee surges

US MIDDAY: coffee surges

Arabica coffee futures surged to close up 3 percent on Thursday, on fund buying and demand on the spot contract from recent supermarket orders. US cocoa futures finished quietly lower in spread-dominated dealings and as market participants waited out the
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
US MIDDAY: grain futures slip

US MIDDAY: grain futures slip

Grain futures traded at the Chicago Board of Trade were mostly lower Thursday as another earthquake in Japan roiled the markets, traders said. May corn futures earlier set a record high at $7.73-1/4 per bushel, rallying on continued expectations for tight
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
US MIDDAY: copper extends rally

US MIDDAY: copper extends rally

Copper ended up for a third straight day on Thursday, hitting its priciest level in about two weeks, as investors once again ignored an in-line interest rate hike and continued to bet on the global economic recovery. Copper's bullish momentum spread to ot
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
US MIDDAY: gold retreats

US MIDDAY: gold retreats

Gold was little changed on Thursday afternoon, retreating from a record high after another strong earthquake hit Japan. In early trading, gold rose to a record for a third straight session on inflation worries and expectations that the European Central Ba
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Two labourers die as roof of building collapses

Two labourers die as roof of building collapses

At least two labourers were killed when a roof of under constructed building collapsed near Inquiry office within the limits of Nazimabad police station on Thursday morning. According to detail, the roof of under constructed two storey building 2C1/11 loc
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
ITP, IOP attend training course

ITP, IOP attend training course

Officers Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) and Islamabad Operation Police (IOP) have attended training course `Order Maintenance Vehicle Stop Course' aimed at empowering the force to assist people in crossing the roads, besides checking suspected vehicles to
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Pemra rejects requests for issuance of 37 satellite TV, FM licences

Pemra rejects requests for issuance of 37 satellite TV, FM licences

Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) stopped awarding Satellite TV licences and landing rights permission to new entrants in electronic media due to over-stretched market. In a press conference, Acting Chairman Dr Abdul Jabbar Mirza said
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Scattered rains in hilly areas predicted

Scattered rains in hilly areas predicted

Meteorological department has predicted scattered rains/dust storms for three days from Friday to Sunday. Met Office said that a fresh westerly wave is likely to enter in Balochistan on Friday that would grip most parts of Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa (KPK), Punja
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Benazir murder case: Saud, Khurram Shahzad released on bail

Benazir murder case: Saud, Khurram Shahzad released on bail

Two senior police officers Saud Aziz and Khurram Shahzad, who were detained in Benazir Bhutto assassination case, have been released fromm Central Jail Adiala on bail The counsel of two police officers submitted surety bonds and passports of the detained
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
Three more ministries to be devolved this month

Three more ministries to be devolved this month

Implementation Commission on 18th Amendment will devolve three more ministries - Sports, Environment, and Women Development - to the provinces this month in its third phase, it was learnt. Secretaries of these ministries gave a detailed briefing to the Im
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
At least 3.7 million Afghan DPs returned home from Pakistan

At least 3.7 million Afghan DPs returned home from Pakistan

The Country head of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), Mengesha Kebede has said that at least 3.7 million Afghan refugees have returned home from Pakistan with the assistance of the UN agency since 2002. Speaking at a meeting regardi
Published 08 Apr, 2011 12:00am
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