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Dollar whipped as markets wary of mounting risks

January 29, 2026 3:09

SINGAPORE: The dollar remained on shaky ground on Thursday, as uncertainty over US economic policies and geopolitical moves were only partially offset by supportive comments from the White House ‌and European officials following a rout in the currency. On the monetary policy front, the Federal Reserve struck a more sanguine tone on the US labour market and inflation risks overnight, which investors took to imply that rates could be on hold for longer. The dollar was in free fall earlier this week and hit a four-year low after US President Donald Trump seemed to shrug off the currency’s weakness, though it found a ‌floor after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said a day later that Washington has a strong-dollar policy. The euro , which broke above the key $1.20 level on the back of the dollar’s decline, traded just below that at $1.1979 in Asia, after European Central Bank (ECB) policymakers similarly flagged growing concerns over its quick appreciation. “It was a timely comment from Bessent that you’d assume was premeditated, if you’d like,” ‍said Ray Attrill, head of FX strategy at National Australia Bank (NAB). “I think the ECB comments are independent, but it’s interesting that with euro/dollar, $1.20 does seem to have been a little bit of a trigger. “You could argue that… the euro/dollar move, which up until recently, hasn’t been that great, is kind ⁠of masking broader euro strength. And that will feed into the ECB’s inflation forecasts.” While the heavy dollar selling abated on Thursday, the ‍currency remained on the back foot. It fell 0.5% against the Swiss franc to 0.7656, close to an 11-year low, while sterling hovered near a ‌4-1/2-year high ‌at $1.3826. The Australian dollar , which has drawn additional support from bets of a rate hike at home as soon as next week, scaled a three-year peak of $0.70495. The dollar selloff from earlier this week had been the sharpest since Trump’s tariff blitz rocked markets last April. Already down 2% for the year, its weakness has been driven by concern over Trump’s erratic policymaking, attacks on the Fed and what it could mean ⁠for the rate outlook and, most ⁠recently, signals on Friday the U.S. was willing to sell dollars to help Japan to boost the yen. NAB’s Attrill said the dollar’s performance will hinge crucially on how issues around Fed independence play out, including a U.S. Supreme Court ruling on Trump’s bid to fire Fed Governor Lisa Cook. “Loss of independence is far and away the ‍biggest risk to ongoing dollar hegemony,” he said. Against a basket of currencies, the dollar was at 96.24 , languishing near Tuesday’s four-year low of 95.566. Its slide has provided some reprieve for the ailing yen , which rose 0.12% to 153.21 per dollar on Thursday. The Japanese currency has tracked around the 152-154 per dollar range for most of this week thanks to talk of rate checks from ‍the U.S. and Japan last week - a move often seen as a precursor to intervention. Elsewhere, the New Zealand dollar scaled a 6-1/2-month top of $0.60695. The offshore yuan rose slightly to 6.9426 per dollar, having hit its strongest level since May 2023 earlier this week. [...]

Indian rupee stares at new low beyond 92 on offshore-led dollar rush, weak Asia

January 29, 2026 3:05

MUMBAI: The Indian rupee is poised to breach the 92-per-dollar level for the first time at open on Thursday, pressured by the US dollar’s rally in the non-deliverable forward markets and broad weakness across Asian currencies, with traders on alert for possible central bank intervention. The 1-month non-deliverable forward indicated the rupee will open in the 92.02-92.08 range versus the US dollar, having settled at 91.7825 on Wednesday. This puts the currency on course to breach its prior all-time low of 91.9650 set last week. The dollar/rupee 1-month deliverable forward continued to climb after usual local trading hours, touching nearly 92.50, a Singapore-based hedge fund portfolio manager said. “I am a bit surprised by the extent of the move,” he said. “It looks like the market is pre-empting expected NDF maturities, and it’s possible a round of stop-losses has been triggered.” The key question now is how the Reserve Bank of India reacts if the rupee slips past 92, whether it allows dollar/rupee to reprice higher or steps in to pull it back, he said. He added that the dollar may have found some support from comments by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, though the impact was likely marginal. The dollar index recovered slightly on Wednesday. The Federal Reserve’s policy decision had little overall impact on the dollar, while US Treasury yields rose after the Fed acknowledged that inflation remained elevated and the labour market continued to stabilize. During the press conference, Chair Jerome Powell remained noncommittal about conditions for future cuts. “Our economists believe further easing primarily depends on evidence of disinflation, which will likely come later in 2026. Hence, they retain their outlook for rate cuts in June and September,” analysts at Morgan Stanley said in a note. Asian currencies were mostly down on the day, pressured by the rise in US yields. [...]

Asia tech streak takes a timeout, gold keeps climbing

January 29, 2026 3:01

SYDNEY: Asia’s runaway stock markets took a breather on Thursday as mixed earnings out of the tech sector stirred caution ahead of Apple’s results, while the dollar looked shaky despite verbal support from both US and European officials. Gold and silver climbed ‌to all-time highs as investors continued their rush into physical assets, and oil prices hit a four-month top as U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran of possible attacks if it did not make a deal on nuclear weapons. The U.S. Federal Reserve kept interest rates on hold as widely expected, while Chair Jerome Powell talked of a “clearly improving” economic outlook and broad support on the committee for a pause. Powell would not be drawn on whether he would remain as a governor after he steps down as Chair in May, given Trump’s efforts ‌to pressure the Fed into more aggressive cuts. Investors reacted by further paring the chance of another policy easing by April to 26%, with June seen as the next likely window at 61%. In the meantime, investors have been counting on earnings to keep equities in demand and Samsung Electronics seemed to oblige by tripling its operating profit as the race to build AI capability sent chip prices surging. Yet with so much already priced in, South Korea stocks slipped 1.2%, having already gained 21% so far this month. The tech-heavy Taiwan market is up almost 14% in the same time period. Japan’s Nikkei edged down 0.1%, having been held back by wild swings in the yen and a steep rise in bond yields at home. MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan dropped 0.6%. In Europe, EUROSTOXX 50 futures and FTSE futures ⁠fell 0.2%, while DAX futures eased 0.1%. [...]

Indian shares eye muted start after two-day rally, Fed rate pause

January 29, 2026 2:57

India’s stock benchmarks are poised to open little changed on Thursday, following two sessions of gains fueled by the agreement of a trade deal with the European Union and the US Federal Reserve’s overnight pause, which was widely expected. Attention now shifts to the Union budget for fiscal year 2026–27, due February 1, for signals on the trajectory of economic momentum and corporate earnings in the world’s fastest-growing major economy. Markets will operate in a special Sunday session. Gift Nifty futures were at 25,373.5 as of 7:58 a.m. IST, pointing to opening levels near Wednesday’s Nifty 50 close of 25,342.75. The Nifty and Sensex have each added roughly 1% over the last two sessions, supported by improved sentiment after the announcement of a EU free trade agreement on Tuesday, which will see the EU slashing all tariffs on 90% of Indian goods. That rebound still only papers over a subdued start to 2026. Foreign selling has continued after record outflows of about $19 billion in 2025, amid persistent U.S. tariff concerns, while earnings from some index heavyweights have fallen short of expectations. Foreign investors net sold $4.56 billion of Indian equities this month through Wednesday. Month-to-date, the Nifty is down about 3%, with small-and mid-caps 5.2% and 3.4% lower, respectively, signalling broad-based risk aversion. On the day, Asian markets opened 0.5% lower, while Wall Street equities posted modest gains after the Fed held rates steady, citing still-elevated inflation and solid growth. Markets are not pricing another Fed cut until the June meeting. Higher U.S. rates make emerging markets like India less attractive as they support the dollar and U.S. Treasury yields. In stocks, Larsen & Toubro will be tracked after missing profit estimates on tepid orders and a one-time labour code charge, though brokerages remain constructive about the long-term. SBI Cards and Payment Services could see support after reporting a profit surge tied to festive demand. [...]

Australian dollar hits fresh 3-year peak, kiwi rises to 7-month top

January 29, 2026 2:54

SYDNEY: The Australian dollar scaled a new three-year peak on Thursday as gold prices surged to yet another record and bets grew for an imminent rate hike at home, helping also lift its kiwi cousin to a seven-month top. Overnight, the US dollar got some respite from a selloff as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington has a strong-dollar policy, after President Donald Trump brushed off the recent slide in the currency. A slightly hawkish Federal Reserve that held rates steady, citing a “solid” economy also helped the greenback as markets pushed out the expected timing for the next rate cut to June after Chair Jerome Powell’s term ends in May. Still, the two Antipodans outperformed. The Aussie hit an intraday high of $0.7050, after rising 0.4% overnight for its eighth straight session of gains. Prices for gold, a major Australian export, hit a new peak of nearly $5,600 an ounce on Thursday. The Aussie was down 0.2% at $0.7025 in Asian trade as investor sentiment in share markets turned after mixed earnings from the US tech giants. All of the Big Four Australian banks now expect a quarter-point rate hike from the Reserve Bank of Australia next Tuesday, after inflation surprised on the high side last quarter. Goldman Sachs and Deutsche Bank are among the few that are still calling for a hold. “We do not view +0.9% qoq increase in trimmed mean inflation as a large enough upside surprise to the RBA’s forecast to warrant monetary policy shifting from an easing bias to an actual rate hike in just three months,” said Andrew Boak, chief economist at Goldman Sachs. “We view February’s decision as a very close call and note several recent precedents where the RBA has been prepared to surprise market expectations.” If RBA does hike next Tuesday, it would be the first non-Japan G10 central bank to raise rates in the current global easing cycle. Across the Tasman Sea, the New Zealand dollar also eased 0.2% to $0.6050, having hit a seven-month peak of $0.6070 earlier in the session. Resistance is near $0.6060 and $0.6120. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand next meets on February 18 and is considered certain to hold rates at 2.25%, though investors believe the next move will be up, but not until the second half of the year. [...]

Oil prices rise for a third day on increasing concerns of Iran attack

January 29, 2026 2:51

BEIJING: Oil prices rose for a third day on Thursday on increasing concerns the U.S. may carry out a military attack on key Middle Eastern producer Iran that could disrupt supply from the region. Brent crude futures rose 50 cents, or 0.73%, to $68.9 a barrel by 0216 GMT, but U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude climbed 58 cents, or 0.92%, to $63.79 a barrel. Both contracts have climbed about 5% from January 26 and are at their highest since September 29. Prices are rising as US President Donald Trump has increased pressure on Iran to end its nuclear programme with threats of military strikes and as a U.S. naval group has arrived in the region. Iran is the fourth-largest producer among the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries with output of 3.2 million barrels per day. Trump is considering options to attack Iranian security forces and leaders to inspire protests to potentially topple the current regime, Reuters reported on Thursday, citing U.S. sources familiar with the discussions. “The potential for Iran getting hit has escalated the geopolitical premium of oil prices by potentially $3 to $4 (per barrel),” analysts at Citi said in a note on Wednesday. They added that further geopolitical escalation could push prices to as high as $72 a barrel for Brent. An unexpected drop in crude stockpiles in the U.S., the world’s biggest oil consumer, also supported prices. U.S. crude inventories fell by 2.3 million barrels to 423.8 million barrels in the week ended January 23, the Energy Information Administration said on Wednesday, compared with analysts’ expectations in a Reuters poll for a 1.8 million-barrel rise. Overall, Citi said oil prices may stay elevated due to rising geopolitical risks, U.S. restrictions on Russian oil purchases and continued Chinese buying, even as markets entered the year expecting a large oversupply. [...]

Gold nears $5,600/oz as investors seek safety, silver eyes $120

January 29, 2026 2:47

Spot gold extended its blistering rally on Thursday to hit a record high just shy of $5,600 an ounce, as investors sought safety amid geopolitical and economic uncertainties, while silver came within a whisker of breaching the $120 mark. Spot gold shot up 2.7% to $5,542.29 an ounce by 0149 GMT, after hitting a record $5,591.61 earlier in the day. “Growing U.S. debt and uncertainty created by signs that the global trade system is splintering into regional blocs as opposed to a U.S.-centric model (are leading investors to pile into gold),” said Marex analyst Edward Meir. Prices jumped past the $5,000 mark for the first time on Monday and have gained more than 10% so far this week, driven by a cocktail of factors including strong safe‑haven demand, firm central bank buying and a weaker dollar. “Gold is no longer just a crisis hedge or an inflation hedge; it is increasingly viewed as a neutral, and a reliable store of value asset that also provides diversification across a wider range of macro regimes,” OCBC analysts said in a note. Gold has gained more than 27% this year following a 64% jump in 2025. “Although the parabolic nature of the rally suggests a pullback is not far away, the underlying fundamentals are expected to remain supportive throughout 2026, positioning any dips as attractive buying opportunities,” IG market analyst Tony Sycamore said. In geopolitical news, U.S. President Donald Trump urged Iran on Wednesday to come to the table and strike a deal on nuclear weapons, warning that any future U.S. attack would be far more severe. Tehran responded with a threat to strike back against the U.S., Israel and those who support them. On the U.S. policy front, the Federal Reserve decided to leave rates unchanged on Wednesday, as widely expected. Fed Chair Jerome Powell said inflation in December was likely still well above the central bank’s 2% target. On Thursday, prices also drew support from crypto group Tether’s plans to allocate 10%–15% of its investment portfolio to physical gold. Meanwhile, with elevated gold prices, customers have been cramming into stores in Shanghai and Hong Kong that sell the precious metal, with some betting it could rise even further. Spot silver was up 1.1% at $117.87 an ounce after hitting a record high of $119.34 earlier. Prices have been helped by demand from investors looking for cheaper alternatives to gold, along with supply shortages and momentum buying. The white metal has jumped more than 60% so far this year. “The silver market is forecast to deliver yet another deficit this year, but the real market tightness stems from the reduced availability of above ground stocks,” analysts at Standard Chartered said in a note. Spot platinum rose 1% to $2,723.40 an ounce, after hitting a record high of $2,918.80 on Monday, while palladium fell 1.6% to $2,041.20. [...]

Fed holds rates steady, sees 'elevated' inflation and stabilizing job market

January 29, 2026 1:37

WASHINGTON: The U.S. Federal Reserve held interest rates steady on Wednesday, citing still-elevated inflation alongside solid economic growth, and giving little indication in its latest policy statement of when borrowing costs might fall again. "Economic activity has been expanding at a solid pace," Fed policymakers said in the statement after voting 10-2 to hold the U.S. central bank's benchmark interest rate in the 3.50%-3.75% range following a two-day meeting. Both Governor Christopher Waller, a contender to replace Fed Chair Jerome Powell when his term as central bank chief ends in May, and Governor Stephen Miran, on leave from his job as an economic adviser at the White House, dissented in favor of a quarter-percentage-point rate cut. The Fed's statement offered no hint about when another reduction in borrowing costs might come, noting that "the extent and timing of additional adjustments" to the policy rate would depend on incoming data and the economic outlook. Meanwhile, inflation "remains somewhat elevated," the central bank said, while the job market has "shown some signs of stabilization." READ MORE: US Fed expected to keep rates steady as it opens key meeting Though the Fed noted that "job gains have remained low," it also removed language from its prior statement saying that downside risks to employment had risen - an indication policymakers as a group are becoming less worried about a rapid downturn in the labor market. Fed policymakers ahead of this week's meeting had largely characterized the job market as roughly in balance, with smaller gains matching the slower growth in the numbers of those seeking employment as a result of the Trump administration's stricter immigration policies. The unemployment rate in December fell to 4.4%. Powell is scheduled to hold a press conference at 2:30 p.m. EST (1930 GMT) to discuss the policy statement and economic outlook. Fed remains divided The decision to maintain borrowing costs at their current level puts the Fed's current monetary easing cycle, begun near the end of the Biden administration and continued after a pause of roughly nine months during President Donald Trump's second term in the White House, on hold again after three quarter-percentage-point reductions at the central bank's final three meetings of 2025. The rate cut at the December 9-10 meeting left the policy-setting Federal Open Market Committee unusually divided. Three of its 12 voting members dissented, with one in favor of an even deeper cut and two in favor of no reduction at all. Those same divisions have carried into 2026, and recent economic data have done little to change the outlook for those officials most concerned that inflation is not progressing back to the central bank's 2% target, or for those more worried about a rise in the unemployment rate if credit conditions aren't loosened to encourage more spending and investment. It's a debate that could shape the first weeks in office of whoever is named to replace Powell in the top Fed job, a decision that Trump is expected to announce soon. Powell's successor is expected to be in place to run the central bank's June 16-17 policy meeting. Investors currently expect the Fed to keep rates on hold until then. [...]

Dr Kabir Ahmed Sidhu assumes charge as SECP chairman

January 28, 2026 2:54

Dr Kabir Ahmed Sidhu has formally assumed charge as Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), the commission said on Wednesday. Before joining SECP, Dr Sidhu served as Chairman of the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP). He tendered his resignation from the post, which was accepted by the federal cabinet on January 27. After assuming office, Dr Sidhu said his priority would be to build a fair, transparent, and inclusive financial market capable of channeling savings into productive investment, supporting innovation, and promoting sustainable economic growth. He said SECP would focus on reducing the cost of doing business by simplifying regulations, streamlining procedures, and accelerating digital transformation across the corporate and financial regulatory framework. READ MORE: Muhammad Ali Farid made SECP commissioner Highlighting capital markets as a key driver of economic growth, Dr Sidhu said efforts would be made to broaden the investor base, encourage new listings, and introduce diversified financial products. These include derivatives, real estate investment trusts (REITs), green bonds, and fractional investment options, supported by an enabling legal and regulatory framework to enhance market depth, liquidity, and investor confidence. Revival and expansion of the Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFC) sector will be a major focus area. Dr Sidhu said leasing companies, digital lenders, mortgage and housing finance firms, and peer-to-peer platforms have an important role in improving credit access for SMEs, first-time borrowers, and underserved segments. SECP will work towards creating a more supportive regulatory environment for the sector. READ MORE: SECP registers three new REIT schemes in January 2026 The insurance sector will also receive priority attention. Dr Sidhu said SECP aims to increase insurance penetration through digital micro-insurance, Takaful, parametric climate insurance, and improved transparency in policy offerings and claims management, with a focus on consumer protection and coverage for the informal sector. He further said SECP will advance its digital transformation under the LEAP project, with full digitization of the licensing regime and introduction of a smart compliance system to reduce regulatory burden, lower compliance costs, and shorten processing times. According to the commission, these measures are aimed at improving regulatory efficiency and strengthening Pakistan’s investment climate. [...]

Rupee records gain against US dollar

January 28, 2026 2:11

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279.86, 279.85, 279.82, 279.81 ], borderColor: 'black', borderWidth: 1, fill: false, pointRadius: 3 }] }, options: { responsive: true, plugins: { legend: { display: false } }, scales: { x: { title: { display: true, text: 'Date' } }, y: { title: { display: true, text: 'Closing Rate' } } } } }); The Pakistani rupee registered marginal improvement against the US dollar in the inter-bank market on Wednesday. At close, the local currency settled at 279.81, a gain of Re0.01 against the greenback. On Tuesday, the local unit closed at 279.82. Internationally, the US dollar was grappling with a “crisis of confidence” as it struggled near four-year lows on Wednesday after President Donald Trump brushed off its recent weakness, exacerbating the dollar selling and lifting the yen, euro and sterling. The euro breached past the $1.2 level for the first time since 2021 and was at $1.2015, a tad weaker on the day, while sterling was also near its highest level since 2021 at $1.3823 in early Asian hours. The dollar index, which measures the US currency against six major rivals, was at 95.964 after dropping over 1% in the previous session when it hit a four-year low of 95.566. Trump said on Tuesday the value of the dollar was “great”, when asked whether he thought it had declined too much. Traders took his comments as a signal to sell the greenback aggressively. Trump’s comments were not exactly new, but they came at a time when the dollar had been under pressure as traders braced for a possible coordinated currency intervention by US and Japanese authorities to stabilise the yen. The dollar tumbled over 9% in 2025 and has started the year on the back foot, already down about 2.3% in January as Trump’s erratic approach to trade and international diplomacy, fears over the Federal Reserve’s independence, and huge increases in public spending rattled investors. Oil prices, a key indicator of currency parity, hit their highest since late September on ‌Wednesday after a winter storm disrupted US crude output while a weak US dollar and continued Kazakh outages lent further support. At 1302 GMT, Brent crude futures ticked up 38 cents, or 0.6%, at $67.95 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate crude was up 37 cents, or 0.6%, at $62.76. Both grades are headed for their biggest monthly rises in percentage ‌terms since July 2023, with Brent set to rise around 12% and WTI around 10%. Inter-bank market rates for dollar on Wednesday BID Rs 279.81 OFFER Rs 280.01 Open-market movement In the open market, the PKR gained 5 paise for buying and 2 paise for selling against USD, closing at 280.23 and 280.88, respectively. Against Euro, the PKR lost 2.74 rupees for buying and 2.93 rupees for selling, closing at 335.26 and 338.52, respectively. Against UAE Dirham, the PKR gained 5 paise for buying and lost 1 paisa for selling, closing at 76.50 and 77.31, respectively. Against Saudi Riyal, the PKR gained 1 paisa for both buying and selling, closing at 74.81 and 75.42, respectively. Open-market rates for dollar on Wednesday BID Rs 280.23 OFFER Rs 280.88 [...]

Copper and aluminium climb as weak dollar extends metals rally

January 28, 2026 1:35

LONDON: Copper moved higher on Wednesday while aluminium and zinc notched multi-year highs after the U.S. dollar slid to a four-year low and investors continued to pile in with bullish bets on industrial metals. Benchmark three-month copper on the London Metal Exchange was up 0.6% at $13,087 a metric ton in official open-outcry trading. Aluminium added 1.7% to $3,261, touching its highest since April 2022 and zinc was up 1.2% at $3,392 after striking its highest since January 2023. The dollar index hit its lowest since February 2022 on Tuesday after U.S. President Donald Trump said the value of the greenback was “great”. A weaker U.S. currency makes dollar-denominated metals more affordable for those holding other currencies and can boost demand. Analysts at brokerage Sucden Financial said on a webinar on Wednesday that the rally in base metals was being driven by macro positioning rather than metals-specific fundamentals. Copper climbs, tin under pressure from China position limits “What we’ve been seeing with the specs (speculative investors) in gold and silver, they’re all piling into the base metals, too,” Sucden’s Robert Montefusco said. The cash LME copper contract was trading at a $90 a ton discount to the three-month forward, suggesting little need for near-term metal, while the Yangshan premium, a measure of appetite for copper imports in top metals consumer China, sank to an 18-month low of $20 a ton. Sucden’s head of research, Daria Efanova, said Chinese producers were offloading copper onto the LME to de-risk ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday in February, when liquidity is likely to be thin and the market could become even more volatile. Aluminium’s jump came after Goldman Sachs raised its first-half average price forecast to $3,150 a ton, from $2,575, citing low inventories, doubts over power availability for new smelters in Indonesia and robust global demand growth from electric vehicle producers and power grids. Elsewhere, lead edged up 0.1% to $2,022 a ton, nickel gained 1.3% to $18,400 and tin climbed 2.5% to $56,250 after touching a record $58,340 on Tuesday. [...]

Most Gulf bourses gain on earnings, oil

January 28, 2026 1:28

Most Gulf stock markets closed higher on Wednesday as investors focused on corporate earnings and firmer oil prices, while the Egyptian stock exchange snapped a nine-day winning streak. Saudi Arabia’s benchmark index gained 0.7%, with oil major Saudi Aramco up 1.5%, while Alinma Bank advanced 3.2% following a sharp rise in annual net profit. In a separate bourse filing, the bank also proposed a capital increase through bonus shares, granting one bonus share for every five shares held. Crude prices - a catalyst for the Gulf’s financial markets - hit their highest level since late September on Wednesday after a winter storm disrupted U.S. crude output while a weak U.S. dollar and continued Kazakh outages lent further support. Aramco-led energy stocks lifted the market, though gains were limited by caution ahead of today’s U.S. Federal Reserve meeting, with attention on Chair Jerome Powell’s remarks, the 2026 easing outlook, and Fed independence, said Joseph Dahrieh, Managing Director at Tickmill. “Nevertheless, the Saudi market appears poised for further gains, boosted by Q4 earnings, the potential opening of the market to foreign investors on February 1, and solid non-oil growth projections for the year.” Dubai’s main share index advanced 0.8%, with blue-chip developer Emaar Properties rising 2.3%. Among other gainers, Dubai Financial Market jumped 1.8%, as the bourse operator is slated to report its earnings later in the day. In Abu Dhabi, the index added 0.4%, with ADNOC Gas up 1.4%. The energy firm will invest more than $20 billion to increase its gas processing capacity by almost 30% by 2029, its CEO Fatema Al Nuaimi said on Tuesday. Elsewhere, the UAE’s largest lender First Abu Dhabi Bank closed 0.7% higher, following a 22% increase in fourth-quarter net profit. The Qatari index gained 0.8%, led by a 1.3% rise in petrochemical maker Industries Qatar . Mesaieed Petrochemical added 1.4% ahead of its earnings announcement. Outside the Gulf, Egypt’s blue-chip index eased 0.1%, ending a nine-day winning streak. Saudi Arabia rose 0.7% to 11,458Abu Dhabi added 0.4% to 10,394Dubai gained 0.8% to 6,514Qatar advanced 0.8% to 11,373Egypt eased 0.1% to 47,786Bahrain was up 0.1% to 2,052Oman leapt 1.4% to 6,361Kuwait lost 0.8% to 9,308 [...]

Sri Lankan shares end slightly up as real estate stocks rise

January 28, 2026 1:25

Sri Lankan shares closed marginally higher on Wednesday, as gains in real estate and health care sectors offset losses in IT stocks. The CSE All-Share index settled 0.13% higher at 23,992.11 points. Sri Lanka’s central bank kept its overnight policy rate unchanged, as it awaited the latest review of a $2.9-billion International Monetary Fund programme. Real estate stocks up 1.43%; IT stocks down 4.28% on the day Industrial Asphalts (Ceylon) and Greentech Energy were the top percentage gainers on the index, up 25% each. Trading volume on the index rose to 347.1 million shares from 272.5 million shares in the previous session. The equity market’s turnover rose to 6.94 billion Sri Lankan rupees ($22.42 million) from 5.21 billion rupees in the previous session, according to exchange data. Foreign investors were net sellers, offloading stocks worth 519.12 million rupees, while domestic investors were net buyers, purchasing shares worth 6.90 billion rupees, the data showed. [...]

India bonds rise as RBI moves up debt-buy plan; budget key

January 28, 2026 1:11

MUMBAI: Indian government bonds ended higher on Wednesday, recovering from two days of losses, after the central bank brought forward its debt purchases by a week, signalling to the market it wants to cap the recent climb in yields. The benchmark 10-year bond yield ended at 6.7026%, after logging its highest closing level in 11 months on Tuesday at 6.7194%. Bond yields move inversely to prices. Yields have risen sharply in recent weeks as traders are worried about hefty supply in the upcoming fiscal year. India’s budget, due on Sunday, will unveil New Delhi’s borrowing plan. The Reserve Bank of India has moved up its open market operations and will purchase 1 trillion rupees ($10.92 billion) in two tranches - on January 29 and February 5 - a week earlier than previously scheduled. Traders said the move could aid demand at the auction, but would not be a game-changer and any major reaction is likely only after the budget announcement. New Delhi will sell 320 billion rupees of the 6.48% 2035 bond on Friday. India bonds flash red ahead of 30 trillion Indian rupee debt wave “From a bond market standpoint, the net and gross borrowing numbers will be closely eyed to ascertain bond supply at a time when demand-supply imbalances are hurting sentiment,” ICICI Securities Primary Dealership said in a note. “Given fiscal consolidation is going to be quite modest in our baseline assumption, normally we would expect net borrowing numbers to rise in absolute terms.” Most analysts have pegged gross borrowing in the range of 16.5–17.5 trillion rupees, which would be a record for any fiscal year. Rates India’s overnight index swap rates eased, tracking bond yields, while focus is now on the U.S. Federal Reserve’s monetary policy decision later in the day. The one-year OIS rate ended at 5.575%, while the two-year closed at 5.73%. The five-year OIS rate settled at 6.1525%. [...]

Local manufacturers target 2mn 5G mobile handsets ahead of service launch

January 28, 2026 11:49

With local mobile phone assemblers/manufacturers targeting the availability of around 2 million 5G-enabled handsets by the time services are launched—and the government pushing for installment-based sales to improve affordability—officials said preparations were being fast-tracked to ensure a smooth rollout of 5G services in the country. As part of these efforts, local assemblers have already manufactured/assembled about 0.5 million 5G-enabled mobile handsets, reflecting early readiness on the device side ahead of the commercial launch. The government is pressing manufacturers to ensure that affordable 5G smartphones, with prices starting from around Rs30,000, are widely available to support mass adoption. According to officials, the spectrum auction is scheduled by the end of next month, while 5G services are expected to be launched within the next five months in major cities, followed by a phased expansion to other parts of the country. Read more: 5G rollout set for major cities by next year, says IT minister To align handset availability with network deployment, senior government officials, including representatives of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), held a meeting with the Mobile Device Manufacturers (MDM) Association, which represents around 35 mobile phone assemblers and manufacturers operating in Pakistan. The meeting was informed that five companies including Samsung, Vivo, OPPO are already assembling/manufacturing 5G enabled handsets while other companies are all set to initiate work in this regard. In the absence of 5G services, earlier there was no demand for 5G enabled handsets, however as the government has all set to initiate the services, work on such handsets were started and gaining momentum. By the time 5G services are launched in the country, there would be no dearth of 5G enabled handsets in the market, official sources added. During the meeting, the government assured the industry of full support in resolving regulatory and operational hurdles, including facilitation at the import stage and timely issuance of Certificates of Conformity (CoC). Also read: Will 5G actually improve internet access for ordinary Pakistanis? Officials emphasised that uninterrupted supply chains and regulatory certainty would be crucial to meeting handset targets ahead of the 5G launch. The government also formally proposed that manufacturers introduce installment-based purchase options to ease the financial burden on consumers amid tight economic conditions. Participants welcomed the proposal and assured the authorities that they would roll out locally assembled 5G handsets starting from Rs30,000, while ramping up production to meet expected demand. Officials stressed that ensuring the availability of affordable devices, alongside spectrum allocation and network preparedness, remains central to the success of Pakistan’s 5G rollout, adding that close coordination between regulators, operators and manufacturers will continue in the coming months. [...]

Airbus expects India to have 2,250 commercial jets in service over next 10 years

January 29, 2026 8:09

HYDERABAD: Airbus said on Thursday it expects airlines in India to have 2,250 commercial jets in service over the next 10 years, driven by resilient economic growth, an expanding middle class and a surge of first-time flyers. Boeing issued a similar outlook for India and South Asia on Wednesday, projecting that airlines in the region will require nearly 3,300 new aircraft by 2044. [...]

Suzuki overtakes Nissan as Japan’s third-largest automaker in 2025

January 29, 2026 8:07

TOKYO: Suzuki Motor overtook Nissan as Japan’s third-biggest automaker in 2025, sales data released by the two companies showed on Thursday, the first time in at least over a decade that Suzuki has outsold Nissan during a calendar year. Suzuki reported a 1.4% rise in global sales to about 3.3 million cars last year, while Nissan sold 3.2 million vehicles, down 4.4% from a year earlier. Both companies trailed Toyota, which reported record sales of 10.5 million Toyota- and Lexus-branded vehicles, and Honda, which saw sales slip by 7.5% over the period to 3.5 million vehicles. [...]

Deutsche Bank exceeds profit expectations a day after police search

January 29, 2026 8:05

FRANKFURT: Deutsche Bank on Thursday posted its largest annual profit since 2007 after a stronger-than-expected fourth quarter, a day after police searched the bank in an alleged money-laundering probe. Germany’s largest lender recorded net profit attributable to shareholders of 6.12 billion euros ($7.3 billion) for 2025, helped by strength at its global investment bank. That is above 2.7 billion euros a year earlier and ahead of analyst expectations of nearly 6 billion euros. The biggest profit since 2007 - and the sixth consecutive year in the black - is a welcome milestone for the bank after a rocky decade that saw big losses and fears among regulators that the bank was teetering. For the final quarter of the year, net profit was 1.3 billion euros, up from 106 million euros a year earlier. It is better than analyst expectations for a profit of around 1.12 billion euros. The bank also said it had authorised 1 billion euros in buybacks. [...]

India economy to grow 6.8%-7.2% in 2026-27, government forecasts

January 29, 2026 8:03

NEW DELHI: India’s economy will grow between 6.8% and 7.2% in the fiscal year that starts in April, the government forecast on Thursday. The forecast in the annual economic survey represents a slowdown from this fiscal year’s 7.4% projection. The annual economic survey, presented in parliament by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, says the domestic economy remains on a stable footing but slower growth among trading partners and tariff-induced disruptions to trade could weigh on exports and investor sentiment. The government projects this fiscal year’s growth at 7.4%, beating the 6.3%-6.8% forecast range from last year’s survey. The report on the state of the economy, authored by Chief Economic Adviser V. Anantha Nageswaran and his team in the finance ministry, investment and consumption are likely to gain strength as firms respond to recent reforms. The report is a precursor to the federal budget on Sunday, which will seek to bolster fast economic growth and buffer the South Asian nation from geopolitical shocks and tariff policy uncertainty from Washington that has upended global trade. Despite the fast growth and low inflation, foreign investors have continued to sell Indian shares after a record outflow in 2025 on stretched valuations, subdued earnings and geopolitical concerns. President Donald Trump in August slapped a 50% tariff on some Indian goods entering the US India and the European Union struck a long-delayed deal on Tuesday that will slash tariffs on most goods, aiming to boost two-way trade and reduce reliance on the United States. In recent months, New Delhi finalised pacts with Britain, New Zealand and Oman. [...]

ABB gives confident outlook for 2026

January 29, 2026 7:59

ZURICH: ABB reported fourth quarter earnings slightly ahead of forecasts on Thursday as the Swiss engineering group said it was confident about the outlook for 2026. The maker of electrification systems and electrical motors said its operational EBITA rose 19% to $1.58 billion, ahead of forecasts for $1.54 billion in a company-gathered consensus. Revenues rose 13% to $9.05 billion, beating forecasts for $8.73 billion. The figures did not include the contribution from ABB’s robots business the company is selling. [...]

Nvidia’s CEO says China is still finalising license for H200

January 29, 2026 7:57

TAIPEI: Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said on Thursday he hopes China will allow the US technology giant to sell its powerful H200 artificial intelligence chip in the country and that the licence is being finalised. Huang arrived in Taipei after a trip to China where he said he visited customers, partners and government officials. “The H200, the actual license for H200 is being finalised. And I’m hoping that also the Chinese government would allow Nvidia to sell the H-200, so they have to decide. And I’m looking forward to a favourable decision,” he told reporters at Taipei’s downtown Songshan airport. “I think that H200 is very good for American technology leadership. It’s also very good for the Chinese market. And the customers would very much like to have H200,” he said. “And so I’m looking forward to a good decision. And so we just have to wait patiently,“ he added. [...]

Japan’s short-dated bonds fall on Fed hold; superlong bonds gain

January 29, 2026 7:55

TOKYO: Japanese government bonds were mixed on Thursday, with shorter-dated notes easing in line with overnight moves for US peers, while longer-dated securities continued to be buoyed by the previous day’s strong 40-year JGB auction. US Treasuries sank on Wednesday, pushing yields higher, after the Federal Reserve held interest rates and sent a less dovish signal on further easing. That helped lift 10-year JGB yields by 1.5 basis points to 2.25%, while five-year yields added 1 bp to 1.675% and two-year yields rose 0.5 bp to 1.25%. Benchmark 10-year JGB futures slipped 0.20 yen to 131.52 yen. However, so-called superlong bond yields extended declines from Wednesday, when a sale of 40-year paper drew robust demand, potentially boding well for auctions of 10- and 30-year JGBs next week. The 40-year yield sank 5 bps to 3.86%, while the 30-year yield retreated 1.5 bps to 3.62% and the 20-year yield fell 1 bp to 3.16%. Still, Japanese yields remain not far from all-time peaks reached across tenors in recent days, with investors jittery about the potential for vastly expanded fiscal stimulus should Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expand her coalition’s parliamentary majority in snap elections on February 8. A Nikkei newspaper poll on Thursday showed Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party is likely to be able to win a majority of seats even without coalition partner Ishin. Such a scenario would strengthen her hand to undertake plans to reflate the economy. “For the time being, the market is likely to be sensitive to the risk of fiscal expansion around the election, so interest rates are expected to remain elevated,” Mizuho Securities analysts wrote in a research report. “At the same time, a large-scale issuance of government bonds in the market and a full-scale erosion of confidence in Japan’s finances are expected to be avoidable, so the fiscal risk premium is likely to shrink in the medium term.” [...]

Sanofi targets high single digit sales growth in 2026, plans share buyback

January 29, 2026 7:50

LONDON: French drugmaker Sanofi said on Thursday it expects sales to grow by a high-single-digit percentage in 2026, banking on strong demand for its blockbuster asthma drug Dupixent and some newer medicines. The company also said it expects business operating income to grow slightly faster than sales this year, and plans to buy back 1 billion euros ($1.20 billion) in shares. In 2025, Sanofi completed a 5 billion euro share buyback program. Sanofi has been seeking new products to drive revenue growth once Dupixent goes off patent in 2031, and had laid out plans to be more active with mergers and acquisitions. Its largest deal in 2025 was a $9.5 billion acquisition of Blueprint Medicines that added an approved drug for a rare blood disorder to its portfolio. Last year, Sanofi also agreed to buy adult vaccine maker Dynavax Technologies for $2.2 billion in December, and closed its $1.5 billion acquisition of British private vaccine developer Vicebio in July. For the fourth quarter, business operating income was 2.34 billion euros, compared to 2.37 billion euros expected on average by analysts in a company-provided poll. Quarterly sales of Dupixent, which Sanofi makes with partner Regeneron, were 4.25 billion euros, compared with 4.05 billion euros expected on average by analysts. [...]

Selling engulfs bourse as KSE-100 sheds over 1,900 points

January 29, 2026 7:48

Selling pressure dominated early trade at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), with the benchmark KSE-100 shedding over 1,900 points on Thursday amid heightened geopolitical uncertainty and a recent uptick in oil prices. At 12:10pm, the benchmark index was hovering at 186,432.35, a decrease of 1,948.03 points or 1.03%. Selling pressure was seen in key sectors, including automobile assemblers, cement, commercial banks, fertiliser, oil and gas exploration companies, power generation and refinery. Index-heavy stocks, including ARL, HUBCO, OGDC, POL, HBL, MEBL, MCB and UBL, traded in the red. Analysts attributed the selling pressure to rising geopolitical concerns and an increase in oil prices. “Geopolitical developments and the recent uptick in oil prices are reinforcing market expectations that interest rate easing will be delayed further due to elevated uncertainty,” Saad Hanif, Head of Research at Ismail Iqbal Securities, told Business Recorder. In another development, various trade bodies have expressed serious concern over the likely impact of the proposed India–European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on the country’s textile and hosiery exports, warning that it would place Pakistan at a structural disadvantage despite its existing GSP+ status with the EU. On Wednesday, PSX closed the session marginally higher as select buying in energy, power generation and banking stocks helped benchmark indices end in positive territory, despite persistent volatility and broadly negative market breadth across cash and futures segments. The benchmark KSE-100 Index rose by 177.53 points, or 0.09%, to close at 188,380.39 points Internationally, Asia’s runaway stock markets took a breather on Thursday as mixed earnings out of the tech sector stirred caution ahead of Apple’s results, while the dollar looked shaky despite verbal support from both US and European officials. Gold and silver climbed ‌to all-time highs as investors continued their rush into physical assets, and oil prices hit a four-month top as U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran of possible attacks if it did not make a deal on nuclear weapons. The US Federal Reserve kept interest rates on hold as widely expected, while Chair Jerome Powell talked of a “clearly improving” economic outlook and broad support on the committee for a pause. Powell would not be drawn on whether he would remain as a governor after he steps down as Chair in May, given Trump’s efforts ‌to pressure the Fed into more aggressive cuts. Investors reacted by further paring the chance of another policy easing by April to 26%, with June seen as the next likely window at 61%. This is an intra-day update [...]

India’s textile exporters pin hopes on EU deal after US tariff blow

January 29, 2026 7:48

NEW DELHI/MUMBAI: India’s textile and apparel exporters, hit by 50% US tariffs imposed late in August, are banking on this week’s trade agreement with the European Union to offset part of the damage, while urging New Delhi to secure a quick deal with Washington. Under the pact, which will be implemented in about a year, the EU will immediately remove duties on 90% of Indian goods, including the roughly 12% tariff on textiles and apparel. “At a time when the sector is weighed down by high US tariffs, the India–EU agreement opens the door to greater market access,” said Ashwin Chandran, chairman of the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI), adding that jobs in the sector are currently at risk. US shipments fell more than 50% in October-December from July-September for nearly one-quarter of textile exporters, a CITI survey showed, while businesses warned losses could reach $5 billion–$6 billion this year without a US deal. In a letter to the government, the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) said higher US tariffs have hurt firms that earn up to 70% of their sales from the US, risking order cancellations and factory shutdowns, and urged swift action to avoid lasting damage. India’s textile and apparel exports held steady at $37.5 billion in 2025 despite the drop in US orders, as exporters diverted shipments to markets such as the EU, UAE, Japan and Africa, government estimates showed. India to slash tariffs on high-end EU cars to 30% in boost for luxury carmakers Nevertheless, the US remains India’s top market, taking 28% of its textile and apparel exports - about $11 billion out of $38 billion in the financial year ending March, 2025. The EU was the second-largest market with around one fifth of total shipments. “Zero-duty access to the EU market will enhance Indian garments’ competitiveness,” said AEPC Chairman A. Shakthivel, projecting EU exports could grow 20-25% annually and double in three to four years. Currently, India’s share of the EU’s $250 billion apparel market is just 3%, with shipments dominated by China, Bangladesh and Vietnam due to lower duties. Near-term risks However, analysts warned of near-term risks for Indian exporters, as the EU has suspended preferential tariffs on Indian apparel for 2026–2028, and it will be at least one year before the new deal comes into force. The gap before full implementation could temporarily raise costs and squeeze margins, they said. Exporters will still need to meet strict EU technical and safety norms, including detailed labelling, chemical limits, and health-and-environment certifications, analysts added. Mayhoola’s Balmain names Antonin Tron creative director Of the EU’s top 20 high-demand ready-made garment products, India exports only eight cotton and two man-made fibre items -showing a gap in matching demand. Some major EU fashion brands, including H&M and Zara, have visited factories in Tiruppur, the southern textile hub, to plan new orders, said Kumar Duraiswamy, joint secretary of the Tiruppur Exporters Association. Bessent hints at possible US tariff relief for India as Russian oil imports drop He expects exporters to add capacity, win new customers and expand into synthetic garments. “Opening up the European market will be hugely beneficial for India’s textile industry, particularly at a time when exporters are facing serious challenges in the US market,” said Rajinder Gupta, CEO of Trident Group, who expects the group’s exports to double in two to three years. “However, the amount of US business cannot be replaced by any other market,” he added. [...]

Pakistan’s banking sector ADR rebounds to nearly 40% in December 2025

January 29, 2026 7:46

The banking sector’s gross Advance-to-Deposit Ratio (ADR) reversed its downward trajectory, clocking in at nearly 40% as of December 2025. The banking sector’s ADR stood at 39.8% as of December 2025, up from 37.9% recorded in November 2025, reflecting an increase of 182 basis points (bps), stated brokerage house Arif Habib Limited (AHL) on Thursday. However, yearly, the ADR was down 1,311bps, compared to 52.9% in December 2024. The banking sector’s Investment-to-Deposit Ratio (IDR) lowered to 101.3% in December 2025, as compared to 103.8% in November 2025, registering a decline of 254bps. However, on a year-on-year basis (YoY), IDR was up 509bps, compared to 96.2% in December 2024. The yearly increase in IDR indicates that banks are heavily investing in government instruments, possibly due to attractive yields, low credit appetite, or limited private sector demand. As per the data, the banking sector’s deposits saw strong growth both YoY (23.6%) and month-on-month (MoM) (5.8%), rising to Rs37.4 trillion in December 2025. Investments grew faster than both deposits and advances YoY (30.1%), clocking in at Rs37.9 trillion in December 2025. Advances (loans) stood at Rs14.9 trillion in December 2025, registering a growth of 10.9% MoM but were down 7.1% on a yearly basis. [...]

Palm rises on firmer commodity prices, crude

January 29, 2026 7:42

JAKARTA: Malaysian palm oil futures extended gains for a fourth straight session on Thursday, supported by firm commodity prices and crude, reaching their highest level in three months. The benchmark palm oil contract for April delivery on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange gained 35 ringgit, or 0.82%, to 4,307 ringgit ($1,095.93) a metric ton by the midday break. “Today’s palm market is being supported by firm commodity prices; crude oil, soyoil at Dalian. The benchmark tested (a) morning high of 4,315 ringgit, its highest level since October 28, 2025,“ a Kuala Lumpur-based trader said. Prices remain well supported amid market anticipation of the upcoming Price Outlook Conference in Kuala Lumpur over February 9-11, the trader added. Dalian’s most-active soyoil contract rose 0.77 while its palm oil contract gained 1.17%. Soyoil prices on the Chicago Board of Trade were up 0.66. Palm oil tracks price movements of rival edible oils, as it competes for a share of the global vegetable oils market. The ringgit, palm’s currency of trade, weakened 0.38%against the dollar, making the commodity cheaper for buyers holding foreign currencies. Oil prices rose more than 1.5% in Asian trade, extending gains for a third day on Thursday, on increasing concerns the US may carry out a military attack on key Middle Eastern producer Iran that could disrupt supply from the region. Stronger crude oil futures make palm a more attractive option for biodiesel feedstock. Palm oil may test resistance at 4,316 ringgit per ton, a break above which could lead to a gain into the 4,343 ringgit to 4,387 ringgit range, Reuters’ technical analyst Wang Tao said. [...]

India’s gold demand to fall in 2026 as jewellery slump offsets investment rise

January 29, 2026 7:40

MUMBAI: India’s gold demand is likely to fall in 2026 following a drop of 11% last year, as a surge in prices dampens jewellery sales and offsets an uptick in investment buying, the World Gold Council (WGC) said on Thursday. Demand for gold could stand between 600 metric tons and 700 metric tons, compared to 710.9 tons last year, which was the lowest in five years, Sachin Jain, chief executive of the WGC’s Indian operations, told Reuters. Jewellery buyers prefer stable prices of gold, but the volatile rising prices of recent months have far outstripped consumer budgets, Jain said. “Inflow into exchange-traded funds(ETFs) will continue to grow,” he said. “The stock market hasn’t performed very well in 2025, so investors are looking for better returns from gold.” Inflows into gold ETFs jumped 283% in 2025 from a year earlier to a record 429.6 billion rupees ($4.67 billion). Domestic gold prices surged 76.5% in 2025, while India’s benchmark Nifty 50 has risen 10.5% in 2025. Jewellery demand in 2025 fell 24% from a year earlier to 430.5 metric tons, its lowest in nearly three decades except for 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic distorted figures, the WGC said in a report published on Thursday. By contrast, investment demand rose 17% in 2025 to 280.4 tons, its highest since 2013, the WGC said. Investment demand accounted for a record roughly 40% of India’s total gold consumption in 2025, up from a usual share of about a quarter. “Equities may stay subdued and less attractive amid high valuations, tariffs, and foreign outflows,” the WGC said. “A gradual shift from jewellery to pure investment demand should continue to support bars and coins.” Higher gold prices have historically spurred Indians to sell jewellery and coins, in a category called scrap supplies. In 2025, however, such scrap supplies fell 19% from a year earlier to 92.7 tonnes, as expectations of further price gains persisted despite bullion hitting fresh record highs almost weekly, the WGC said. [...]

Soybeans, wheat and corn boosted by weak dollar, fund buying

January 29, 2026 7:37

Chicago Board of Trade corn, wheat, and soybean futures gained on Thursday, as a weakening dollar made US crops more affordable for importers using other currencies, and speculators bought into the rally. The most-active corn contract on the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) was up 0.2% at $4.31 a bushel by 0509 GMT, while CBOT soybeans gained 0.2% to $10.77-1/2 a bushel and wheat was up 0.3% at $5.37-3/4 a bushel. Corn reached a 2-1/2 week high on Wednesday, with wheat hitting an eight-week high and soybeans a seven-week high on the same day. “It’s all about US dollar’s drops,” said Vitor Pistoia, an analyst at Rabobank. “A weaker dollar makes US exports cheaper,” and can increase trading demand.“ The greenback was near a four-year low hit on Tuesday after weakening rapidly over the last two weeks. US President Donald Trump’s reference to its value as “great” has raised expectations of further weakness. Pressuring the dollar are expectations of continued Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, tariff uncertainty, threats to the Fed independence and rising fiscal deficits, all of which have eroded investor confidence in the US economy. Commodity funds were significant net buyers of CBOT corn, wheat and soybean futures on Wednesday, traders said. “There was an outsized level of short-covering from the managed money crowd today,” StoneX analyst Bevan Everett wrote of wheat in a note. However, a plentiful global supply of all three crops is keeping prices relatively low compared with their peaks in 2022. In top soybean producer Brazil, grain cooperative Coamo said it expects its 2026 harvest to be the largest ever. Agricultural consultancy Sovecon on Tuesday raised its 2025/26 Russian wheat export forecast by 1.1 million metric tons to 45.7 million tons. Russia is the biggest wheat exporter. [...]

Hyundai Motor reports bigger-than-expected profit fall in Q4 as US tariffs bite

January 29, 2026 7:36

SEOUL: Hyundai Motor on Thursday forecast higher sales and profit margin in 2026 after reporting a worse-than-expected 40% fall in fourth-quarter operating profit as a result of US tariffs. This marks the third consecutive decline in quarterly profit for the South Korean automaker, as the US government under President Donald Trump slapped 25% tariffs on imported autos in April, which were slashed to 15% in November after a trade deal with Seoul. On Tuesday, Trump said he would hike tariffs on autos and other imports from South Korea because of a delay in enacting the trade deal agreed last year that enabled the auto tariff cuts. Hyundai, which together with affiliate Kia is the world’s third-biggest automaking group by sales, expected challenging business conditions to continue this year because of slowing growth in major markets and rising competition in emerging countries. The company aims to improve operating profit margin to 6.3%-7.3% this year from 6.2% last year by boosting vehicle shipments and increasing sales of higher-end models, it said in an earnings release. Hyundai booked operating profit of 1.7 trillion won ($1.19 billion) for the October-December period, compared with 2.8 trillion won in the same period a year earlier. The result compared with a 2.7 trillion won LSEG SmartEstimate drawn from 17 analysts. The consensus estimate gives more weight to analysts who are more consistently accurate. [...]

Uplift AI raises $3.5mn in seed funding, eyes thousands of jobs in Pakistan

January 29, 2026 4:00

Uplift AI, a Pakistani voice AI startup, has secured $3.5 million in funding led by Y Combinator, an accelerator behind Airbnb, Dropbox, and GitLab, alongside Indus Valley Capital, Pakistan’s leading early-stage venture fund. According to a statement, the funding round also saw participation from Pioneer Fund, Conjunction, Moment Ventures and angel investors from Silicon Valley. Founded by Zaid Qureshi and Hammad Malik, former Apple and Amazon engineers, Uplift AI develops voice AI models for regional languages like Urdu, Punjabi, and Balochi — so people can use technology by just speaking in their local language. The startup flagship model, Orator, speaks Urdu with human-like realism. The company shared that the startup is gaining traction among developers and small businesses, with 1,000+ developers building with their APIs — from students creating FIR registration bots to entrepreneurs building health intake systems for rural clinics. The startup believes that voice-first technology is key for Pakistan, where 42% of adults cannot read, which holds back the country economically. “Voice technology has the potential to uplift our entire GDP by giving everyone access to knowledge and opportunity. We founded Uplift AI to make this happen now, rather than in the distant future,” said Hammad Malik, CEO, Uplift AI. Backing the startup, Aatif Awan, Partner at Indus Valley Capital, believes that voice is the primary gateway to the digital economy in emerging markets. “Built by former Apple and Amazon engineers, Uplift AI is delivering the foundational voice AI infrastructure to unlock this massive opportunity.“ For the industries serving mass markets — banking, healthcare, agriculture, government — voice-first technology will unlock a market that text-based solutions cannot address. “In Pakistan, agriculture doesn’t lack effort — it lacks accessible intelligence. Uplift AI’s voice technology lets us deliver that intelligence to farmers in their own language at scale. This has enabled us to lead the market in helping farmers increase yield by adopting AI,” said Sultan Raja, Head of AI Transformation, Syngenta Pakistan. Zaid Qureshi, CTO of Uplift AI, says that the startup built everything in-house, from data gathering, labelling, and training, because off-the-shelf solutions always compromise on regional languages. “Our approach is paying off — it’s heartening to get emails from customers telling us they find our model quality to be better than OpenAI and Google for these languages,“ he said. With this funding, Uplift AI plans to bring voice-first technology to every language in Pakistan. While the company sees itself as a global player specialising in voice technology for small regional languages, “in the short to medium term, Pakistan will remain our only focus,” Aatif told Business Recorder. He said that around $1 million will be utilised on data gathering and labelling, which is expected to create thousands of jobs in Pakistan. “The rest will be used to do R&D to develop state-of-the-art speech understanding and speech generation models for the five major Pakistani languages.” Aatif shared that Uplift AI is not yet engaging with government departments but noted that its platform is already accessible to startups and small businesses. “Over 1,000 developers already use our API. Any startup or small business can sign up and start using our API right now.” [...]

Dollar whipped as markets wary of mounting risks

January 29, 2026 3:09

Indian rupee stares at new low beyond 92 on offshore-led dollar rush, weak Asia

January 29, 2026 3:05

Asia tech streak takes a timeout, gold keeps climbing

January 29, 2026 3:01

Indian shares eye muted start after two-day rally, Fed rate pause

January 29, 2026 2:57

Australian dollar hits fresh 3-year peak, kiwi rises to 7-month top

January 29, 2026 2:54

Oil prices rise for a third day on increasing concerns of Iran attack

January 29, 2026 2:51

EDITORIAL: A reminder the state should not need

January 29, 2026 2:49

EDITORIAL: It should not take a Supreme Court bench to remind the government that it must act as a model employer. Yet that is exactly what the court has had to do, spelling out that delays, inaction and internal inefficiencies cannot be used to deny promotions, service entitlements or basic employee rights. That such a reminder was necessary says far more about the state of public administration than about the novelty of the principle itself. The judgement, authored by Justice Ayesha A. Malik, arose from a familiar and deeply entrenched problem. An employee met the eligibility criteria for promotion, vacancies existed, yet the relevant departmental promotion committee was not convened for years. In the interim, the individual was repeatedly placed on “current charge” arrangements, performing higher duties without the corresponding rights, status or security. This is not an aberration. It is standard practice across large parts of the public sector. The Supreme Court’s ruling makes clear that this behaviour is unlawful and unjust. Promotion, the court noted, is not a gratuitous favour. It is tied to merit, performance and the operational needs of the state. Once eligibility conditions are met, a duty arises to consider the case within a reasonable time. If there are genuine obstacles, they must be documented and explained. Silence, delay and administrative drift are not neutral acts. They are failures of governance. The broader context matters. Pakistan performs poorly on global indicators of civil justice and government effectiveness, including timeliness and predictability in administrative decision-making. These rankings are not abstract international shaming exercises. They reflect everyday realities inside government departments, where files stall, committees are not convened and responsibility is diffused until accountability disappears. What makes this particularly troubling is that none of these principles is new. The idea that the state should act as a fair, transparent and accountable employer is embedded in service rules, constitutional norms and international commitments Pakistan has itself endorsed. It is also basic managerial logic. No organisation can expect efficiency or integrity from its workforce if career progression is arbitrary delayed or hostage to discretion. The damage caused by this culture is cumulative. When promotions are treated as an entitlement to be delayed rather than a process to be managed, motivation erodes. Officers learn that performance matters less than patience or proximity to power. Informal influence fills the gaps left by formal process. Over time, competence is crowded out by conformity, and institutions lose their capacity to renew themselves. There is also a systemic cost. A state that cannot manage its own personnel processes predictably cannot credibly enforce discipline or demand results. Litigation becomes the substitute for administration, forcing courts to resolve matters that should have been settled internally years earlier. This burdens the judicial system and turns routine service matters into prolonged legal battles. The Supreme Court’s emphasis on transparency and documentation is therefore critical. Where delays occur, reasons must be recorded and responsibility fixed. Without this, institutional memory is lost and the same failures repeat across departments and generations of officers. The widespread reliance on acting or current charge postings reflects an unwillingness to take decisions that may expose past negligence or upset entrenched hierarchies. None of this should require judicial intervention to correct. Any employer understands that predictable promotion pathways and fair evaluation are essential to organisational health. When the state fails to apply this logic to itself it undermines its own authority and legitimacy. The court has done its part by clarifying the law and correcting an individual injustice. The burden now lies squarely with the executive. Timely promotion boards, enforceable timelines and internal accountability mechanisms are not reforms. They are minimum requirements. If the government continues to need judicial reminders to meet basic employer obligations, the consequences will remain self-evident: demoralised employees, weakened institutions and a steady erosion of governance capacity. Acting as a model employer is not an aspiration. It is a duty. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

EDITORIAL: Visa fraud and abuse of authority

January 29, 2026 2:48

EDITORIAL: The incident uncovered by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) at Islamabad International Airport exposes a troubling nexus between immigration fraud, abuse of official authority, and the persistent challenge of illegal migration. While it initially involved two individuals attempting to travel to France on forged credentials, the implications extend well beyond a routine interception at an airport. The case points to deeper institutional vulnerabilities and raises serious questions about governance, accountability, and the misuse of public office within a key regulatory authority. At the centre of the case is the alleged involvement of a senior tax official (BS-19) at the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). He is accused of facilitating fraudulent French visit visas by exploiting the authority of his position, and credibility of a crucial government department. By posing as FBR employees and claiming to be part of an official delegation, the suspects sought to hide their plans in bureaucratic legitimacy. The fabricated “official” email correspondence they produced at the airport—apparently exchanged between a Gmail account and an official-looking FBR email address, with the subject referring to meetings and a visit to the European Parliament—reflects a sophisticated attempt to bypass scrutiny by both Pakistani authorities and foreign embassies. However, when asked for verification, the individuals failed to provide any formal travel authorisation, proof of employment, or official correspondence from the FBR, a gap that rightly raised red flags for the FIA. Further examination of their itinerary, including a same-day Paris-to-Barcelona trip, contradicted the stated purpose of an official visit and instead suggested an intention to overstay in Europe and seek asylum. Such cases reinforce the perception that visit visas are frequently misused as gateways to irregular migration, harming Pakistan’s international standing and complicating travel for genuine citizens who follow legal procedures. Analysis of the suspects’ mobile phones and financial records adds another serious dimension to the case. Evidence of sustained WhatsApp contact with the alleged facilitator and bank transfers involving millions of rupees suggests that this was not an isolated attempt, but part of an organised and lucrative visa-fraud operation. If proven it would point not only to personal corruption but also serious failures in internal oversight that allowed a government official to operate with apparent impunity. The matter also has implications for foreign embassies as such abuses are likely to invite stricter scrutiny, making the visa process more difficult for genuine applicants. The episode is a stark reminder that corruption within government departments undermines the credibility of public sector institutions. Addressing such scandals requires more than reactive law enforcement; it demands sustained institutional reform, strict accountability at senior levels, and a clear message that the misuse of public office for personal gain will not be tolerated. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

Gold nears $5,600/oz as investors seek safety, silver eyes $120

January 29, 2026 2:47

EDITORIAL: Collecting taxes: Provinces must get their act together

January 29, 2026 2:45

EDITORIAL: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) chairman Rashid Langrial during a panel discussion held under the auspices of the Afkaar-e-Taza Thinkfest in Lahore urged the provinces once again to make greater efforts to collect taxes in order to bridge their large revenue gaps. There is no doubt that provinces rely heavily on their share of the divisible pool taxes instead of on their own resources, including levying a farm tax on income that is commensurate with the income tax payable by the salaried class. The Centre typically budgets a much larger gap between revenue and expenditure, budgeted at 6.5 trillion rupees in the current year necessitating heavy borrowing both domestically and internationally. In contrast, Punjab has budgeted its stock of debt at 1710 billion rupees, and Sindh of 38.5 billion rupees. Be that as it may, there is a long-standing legitimate demand by not only the multilaterals but also the Centre for provinces to increase their own resources and to reduce their reliance on divisible pool taxes - an objective that is routinely compromised due to failure to reach a consensus on the National Finance Commission award that would enable the Centre to reduce its own deficits. Needless to add, discussions on the NFC award remain suspended today with the Centre periodically expressing optimism as to its imminent approval while the provinces remain opposed to any change in the vertical distribution by invoking the constitutional clause that disallows any rollback in the share of provinces from what was agreed in a previous award. Agriculture income tax is a provincial subject as per the Constitution and it is relevant to note that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its second review of the ongoing USD 7 billion Extended Fund Facility programme noted that “provinces have begun implementing new agricultural income tax (AIT) regimes, including measures to strengthen compliance, address under reporting, and improve communication. However, significant obstacles to realising the full potential of AIT remain, notably fully operationalising information sharing between the FBR and provincial tax authorities. The provinces have also ensured that all services, except for a limited list of exemptions, are subject to GST.” But what has so far been ignored by the IMF and the federal and provincial governments is that the focus on crops to generate AIT does not reflect the main source of the Gross Domestic Product from the agricultural sector, which is calculated at 24 percent while its components’ contribution is as follows: major crops — wheat, rice, sugarcane, maize and cotton — accounting for no more than 5 percent of GDP while livestock contributes nearly 64 percent of agricultural GDP and 15 percent of national GDP. The question that arises is why has no attention been paid to livestock sector with respect to tax collections. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

President meets Sheikh Mohammed

January 29, 2026 2:36

DUBAI: President Asif Ali Zardari met with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, at Zabeel Palace, Wednesday. The two leaders discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral relations, with a focus on expanding economic, trade and investment cooperation between Pakistan and the UAE. President Zardari congratulated Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on two decades of leadership as Ruler of Dubai and commended Dubai’s remarkable transformation into a global centre for tourism, finance and emerging technologies. Both sides exchanged views on benefiting from Dubai’s development experience, particularly in ports, logistics, infrastructure, information technology and digital financial services. The President highlighted Pakistan’s ongoing economic reforms, including investment facilitation and privatisation, and explored opportunities for enhanced cooperation with the UAE in infrastructure development, logistics, food security and technology-driven sectors. President Zardari extended an invitation to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to visit Pakistan. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen the brotherly relations between Pakistan and the UAE and expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory of bilateral ties. [...]

PTI slams govt for ‘withholding’ info about IK’s health

January 29, 2026 2:31

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Wednesday accused the government of withholding critical information about Imran Khan’s health following his hospitalisation for an eye infection, warning that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would be held accountable for any harm to the former prime minister. Speaking at a press conference, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, and opposition leader in the Senate Raja Nasir Abbas, criticised the government for failing to inform both PTI leadership and Khan’s family about his condition or hospitalisation.Calling the authorities’ silence on the former prime minister’s ill health deeply concerning, PTI leaders expressed alarm over his treatment without informing his family or the party, stressing that such actions would not be accepted. “We have learned through news reports that Imran Khan was taken to a hospital and then sent back to prison. Neither his family nor the party received any official information,” Gohar said. “This situation has raised grave concerns about his health, and we demand an explanation from the authorities.” He also revealed that PTI had filed a petition with the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to meet Khan, but it was rejected. This, Gohar explained, led to a widespread panic within the party and his family after Khan was rushed to the hospital without their knowledge. The PTI leader accused the government of undermining constitutional norms and manipulating legal frameworks to maintain control. “The constitution is being altered to serve those who have seized power through questionable means. This has led to a dramatic erosion of respect for the regime among the masses,” he said. “We will not stand idly by while our leader’s health is compromised.” Gohar warned that any further attempts to block access to Khan would provoke a public backlash. PTI has vowed to stage large-scale protests, with Gohar declaring, “On February 8, a tsunami of protesters will sweep away this illegitimate government and its supporters.” Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, the opposition leader in Senate, echoed these concerns, highlighting the increasing public discontent over the government’s handling of Khan’s detention and health. “This is a clear violation of the law,” he said. “You cannot silence a popular leader and expect no consequences. The people will hold those in power accountable.” He also criticised the government for prioritising its political survival over national interests. “While the people of Gaza suffer, this regime aligns itself with foreign powers to protect its own ‘illegitimate’ rule,” he said. “The people have rejected this. They want Imran Khan, not those who stole their mandate.” Salman Akram Raja, PTI Secretary General, insisted that Khan’s personal doctor be allowed to meet him immediately. “This is not about politics; it’s about a human being and a former prime minister’s health. Any delay in treating this infection could result in permanent damage to his eyesight,” he warned. Raja also criticised the IHC’s refusal to grant access to Khan’s doctor, describing it as an example of the state’s ongoing disregard for justice. “The IHC’s decision is unacceptable. Imran Khan deserves to meet his family and receive medical care from his personal doctor. This is nothing less than an act of injustice,” he said. He reiterated that while the party remained committed to upholding the law, it would not allow the government to push it into a corner. “We will not stand by while our leader’s health is compromised,” he said. “We are expressing our frustration with this injustice. Don’t test the patience of the people – enough is enough.” Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

Court orders consignment of record of two cases against IK

January 29, 2026 2:25

ISLAMABAD: A local court on Wednesday consigned to record two cases registered against the incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founding chairman, Imran Khan, in connection with the PTI Azadi March of 2022. Judicial Magistrate Azhar Nadeem, while hearing the two cases registered at Kohsar Police Station, ordered the consignment of the record of the cases. Khan’s lawyer, Advocate Sardar Muhammad, appeared before the court. During the hearing, he informed the court that several accused had already been acquitted in these cases. He further said that Khan’s acquittal application in these cases had been pending before the court for the last two years. He also mentioned that his client had not been produced before the court. Advocate Muhammad requested the court to either hear the pending acquittal petition or proceed to consign the cases. Approving the defence’s request, the court moved to record both cases. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

ICAP hosts National Finance Olympiad 2025

January 29, 2026 2:12

KARACHI: The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP) conducted the Grand Finale of the National Finance Olympiad (NFO) 2025, organised under the auspices of ICAP’s Professional Accountants in Business (PAIB) Committee, bringing together finance professionals, industry leaders, and academics from across the country. The event commenced with a welcome address by Samiullah Siddiqui, Chairman PAIB Committee and Vice President ICAP, who highlighted ICAP’s National Finance Olympiad as a flagship initiative aimed at strengthening strategic thinking, leadership, and decision-making capabilities among finance professionals. He emphasized the importance of such platforms in up-skilling finance leaders to navigate increasingly complex business in competitive environments. In his address, Saif Ullah, President ICAP, highlighted the evolving role of finance professionals in corporate governance, sustainability, and national economic development, reaffirming ICAP’s commitment to promoting professional excellence and future-ready leadership. This year Irfan Siddiqui, Founding Partner & former CEO and President, Meezan Bank Limited joined as Chief Guest. He admired the platforms like NFO where the talent is not only showcased but enabled in a competitive environment to deal with business challenges including strategic insights and deliveries via storytelling. This was followed by an address from Abdul Rahim Abbasi, Head of Corporate Finance, Unilever Pakistan who highlighted the value of industry-led initiatives in bridging professional knowledge with real-world business challenges and fostering commercially astute finance leadership. The National Finance Olympiad has, since its inception, served as a premier platform for finance professionals to demonstrate technical competence and strategic judgment through real-world business challenges. This year, the competition attracted 40 teams, including 31 teams from Karachi, 5 from Lahore, 3 from Islamabad, and 1 overseas team from KSA. After two rigorous rounds, six teams qualified for the Grand Finale. The finalist teams—HUBCO Green (Private) Limited, Careem, K-Electric, Systems Limited (∞) BAT, Alpha Analysts, and Sui Southern Gas Company Limited. Rightfully earned their place in the concluding stage through strong analytical performance and strategic insight. A central feature of the Grand Finale was the Board Room Challenge, where finalist teams presented strategic solutions to complex business scenarios in a simulated environment. The competition was evaluated by a distinguished jury comprising Muhammad Faisal, Chief Executive Officer, Lucky Motors; Bilal Khan, General Manager, Pakistan Oil Fields; and Dr. Huma Baqai, Rector, Millennium Institute of Technology and Entrepreneurship (MITE). The Grand Finale comprised multiple competitive segments designed to test participants’ story-telling & presentation skills along with financial acumen and strategic thinking. These included Boardroom – unwind the mind, a rapid-fire 100-second challenge, and the interactive Spin the Wheel, which required teams to make decisions across different categories while managing an element of risk for scoring. ICAP also acknowledged the contributions of its technical partners, BDO Ebrahim & Co. and EY Ford Rhodes, for their support along with knowledge partner Karachi School of Business & Leadership (KSBL) in the successful conduct of the Olympiad. After a rigorous competition, Alpha Analysts emerged triumphant as the National Finance Olympiad Champion 2025, securing the coveted trophy. K-Electric and Careem Team were declared 1st and 2nd Runners-up, respectively. The event concluded with the presentation of mementos followed by a group photograph, and dinner. The National Finance Olympiad has consistently inspired finance professionals for more than a decade to lead with confidence, adapt to evolving challenges, and excel on both national and global stages. The event was attended by a diverse audience including; students, seasoned finance leaders, ICAP members, Past Presidents, Southern Regional Committee members and finance leaders from prominent companies across Pakistan. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

Punjab by-polls: Notices served on minister, SAPM for 'violating' election code of conduct

November 21, 2025 1:33

This collage of pictures show Federal Minister of Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Huzaifa Rehman. —APP/NA website/FileShow-cause notices have been issued to Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari and Special Assistant to the... [...]

27th Amendment empowers FCC to hear all constitutional cases: minister

November 20, 2025 7:59

Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik addressing an event on December 21, 2024. — Facebook@BarristerAqeelMalikState Minister for Law Aqeel Malik said on Thursday that the 27th Amendment has vested authority to hear constitutional matters in the Federal Constitutional... [...]

JF-17 attracts strong attention at Dubai Airshow as friendly country inks procurement MoU

November 20, 2025 5:25

Pakistan Air Force JF-17 Thunder fighter jet during World Defence Air Show 2024 held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, February 7, 2024. — PPI Pakistan's JF-17 Thunder garnered significant attention at the Dubai Airshow 2025, leading to the signing of a memorandum of understanding with a... [...]

US lawmakers laud Punjab govt's initiative to modernise brick-kiln

November 20, 2025 4:39

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz attends ceremony in this undated image. — Facebook/@MaryamNSharifISLAMABAD: The Congressional Pakistan Caucus has applauded Punjab’s drive to modernise its brick-kiln sector, saying the reforms could serve as a pilot for eliminating bonded labour and... [...]

Security forces gun down 30 terrorists in multiple IBOs in KP: ISPR

November 20, 2025 4:38

Frontier Constabulary and army personnel gather stand guard in Kurram, January 17, 2025. — AFPSecurity forces killed 30 Indian proxy Fitna al-Khawarij terrorists during multiple intelligence-based operations carried out by security forces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa , the military's media wing... [...]

MQM-P calls for new province in Sindh

November 20, 2025 3:56

Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan Convener Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui addresses a press conference in Karachi, November 20, 2025. — Screengrab via YouTube/Geo NewsKARACHI: With discussions on the 28th Amendment gaining momentum, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement–Pakistan has once again... [...]

US report validates Pakistan military edge over India: PM

November 20, 2025 3:55

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addresses ceremony in Azad Jammu and Kashmir on November 20, 2025. — X/@GovtofPakistanPrime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday said a recent US report endorsing Pakistan’s downing of Indian aircraft stands as formal validation of the country’s... [...]

Banned TTP poses serious threat to Pakistan security: UNSC panel

November 20, 2025 10:24

Denmark’s Deputy Permanent Representative to United Nations and chair of UNSC's ISIL, Al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee Sandra Jensen Landi. — Screengrab via UN WebTV websiteThe chair of the United Nations Security Council's Daesh and Al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee has cautioned that the... [...]

CM Afridi clarifies remarks on by-poll after ECP requests army deployment

November 20, 2025 10:01

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Khan Afridi addresses a gathering at Havelian, Abbottabad on November 19, 2025. — Facbook@ImMuhammadSohailAfridiISLAMABAD: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Thursday issued a clarification concerning his remarks on the NA-18 by-poll,... [...]

Dubai sees 3.2m Pakistani passengers in 2025 as airport sets new milestone

November 20, 2025 6:16

People sit at a coffee shop as they wait for their flight at the Dubai International Airport, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, April 17, 2024. — ReutersDUBAI: Dubai International Airport handled 3.2 million passengers travelling from Pakistan in the first nine months of 2025, making the... [...]

Security forces kill 23 Indian proxy terrorists in KP's Kurram

November 20, 2025 5:08

Security forces are seen taking position during an operation. — ISPR/FileRAWALPINDI: Amid country's ongoing fight against the menace of terrorism, security forces have neutralised 23 Indian proxy Fitna al-Khawarij terrorists in separate engagements in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Kurram... [...]

Pakistan to construct island to boost oil exploration: report

November 19, 2025 6:26

Pump jacks operate in front of a drilling rig in an oil field in Midland, Texas United States. — Reuters/FilePakistan's state-owned energy company, Pakistan Petroleum Limited , has announced plans for an artificial island to boost its oil exploration efforts.Islamabad has intensified its... [...]

Russia ready to mediate Pakistan's issues with India, Afghanistan: envoy

November 19, 2025 6:14

Russia's ambassador to Pakistan has extended his country's offer to mediate Islamabad's conflicts with India and Afghanistan, amid strained relations with its neighbouring countries.Islamabad's relations with India have remained tense since the four-day war in May, while the Afghan Taliban regime... [...]

Security forces neutralise four terrorists in KP IBOs

November 19, 2025 5:12

Soldiers ride on a Pakistan Army vehicle in this undated image. — AFP/FileFour terrorists affiliated with Indian proxy, Fitna al-Khawarij, were killed in a series of operations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from November 17 to 18, the Inter-Services Public Relations said on Wednesday.An... [...]

Reclassification of 41 candidates on reserved seats goes beyond SC mandate: Justice Mandokhail

November 19, 2025 4:38

Supreme Court's Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail addresses an event related to Labour Day in Islamabad on May 1, 2025. — Screengrab/YouTube/Geo NewsISLAMABAD: Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail has released a detailed dissent in the reserved seats case, stating that the ruling on 41 candidates... [...]

Tesla drops Model X as Elon Musk bets future on AI and robotics

January 29, 2026 3:36

Tesla will discontinue production of its Tesla Model X SUV and Model S sedan, marking a major shift in the company’s direction as CEO Elon Musk pushes deeper into robotics and artificial intelligence.Speaking during Tesla’s investor call on Wednesday, Musk confirmed the move, saying:... [...]

Gold price climbs to record high amid global uncertainty

January 29, 2026 2:34

The gold price has surged to historic highs, leaving investors wondering whether they have missed their chance or if there is still room to benefit from the rally.Gold climbed above $5,000 USD an ounce on Monday and held near that level early Tuesday, marking a gain of more than $2,000 USD an... [...]

Newborn found dead stuffed inside duffel bag in mother's closet

January 28, 2026 6:48

Newborn found dead stuffed inside duffel bag in mother’s closet/ photo courtesy: Nicola DevineIn a deeply disturbing case, a young mother in New York has been charged after the body of her one-month-old baby was found hidden inside a duffel bag in a Brooklyn apartment.According to... [...]

Trump tactics could hurt Republicans in midterms: report

January 28, 2026 5:45

US President Donald Trump's hardline immigration agenda, a key force behind his return to the White House in 2024, is increasingly showing signs of becoming a liability, threatening Republican prospects in the November midterm elections, according to Reuters.What was once his most potent campaign... [...]

Mother, two children shot dead after violent altercation in North Carolina

January 28, 2026 3:29

Mother, two children shot dead after violent altercation in North CarolinaA quiet Fayetteville neighbourhood was rocked on Sunday night after a triple shooting claimed the lives of a mother and her two children.Fayetteville Police officers responded to reports of gunfire at a home on North Sumac... [...]

Suspect comes to light after Ilhan Omar attack in Minneapolis

January 28, 2026 1:47

Suspect comes to light after Ilhan Omar attack in Minneapolis/Photo credit: ReutersA man accused of attacking Democratic congresswoman Ilhan Omar during a town hall in Minneapolis has been identified as Anthony Kazmierczak after police arrested him at the scene. Officers said Kazmierczak sprayed... [...]

Georgia assistant principal accused of nearly 100 Walmart thefts

January 28, 2026 12:18

Georgia assistant principal accused of nearly 100 Walmart theftsAn assistant principal at a Georgia elementary school has been placed on administrative leave after being accused of repeatedly stealing from a Walmart store, according to authorities.Courtney Shaw, who serves as assistant principal... [...]

'From palace to prison': What South Korea's former first lady's sentence means for political accountability

January 28, 2026 11:15

'From palace to prison': What South Korea’s former first lady’s sentence means for political accountabilityA South Korean court has sentenced former First Lady Kim Keon Hee to 20 months in prison after finding her guilty of accepting bribes from the Unification Church.The swift change... [...]

Starmer vows to remain 'clear-eyed' on national security ahead of China trip

January 28, 2026 10:26

Starmer vows to remain ‘clear-eyed’on national security ahead of China tripUK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has officially arrived in China for a high-stakes three-day visit-the first by a British leader in eight years. The primary goal of this trip is to move the UK-China relationship... [...]

US dollar slips to 4-year low amid Trump's optimistic remarks

January 28, 2026 10:07

US dollar slips to 4-year low amid Trump’s optimistic remarks The US dollar is on a downward trajectory even after Trump’s optimistic remarks, who defended the currency value on Tuesday by calling it “great.” However, soon after Trump's comments, the dollar slipped to... [...]

Trump signals 'de-escalation' of federal surge in Minnesota following Pretti shooting

January 28, 2026 8:45

Trump signals ‘de-escalation’ of federal surge in Minnesota following Pretti shootingPresident Donald Trump has officially declared that following the fatal shooting of ICU nurse Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minnesota, he is addressing the national outcry by pledging a... [...]

EU, Vietnam to deepen ties on critical minerals, chip supply, 'trusted' 5G

January 28, 2026 8:12

EU, Vietnam to deepen ties on critical minerals, chip supply, ‘trusted’ 5G The EU bloc and Vietnam are set to boost cooperation on trade and investment in critical minerals, chip supply chains, and secure 5G infrastructure in a push to upgrade diplomatic relations and evade... [...]

US Rep. Ilhan Omar assaulted with unknown spray at Minneapolis town hall

January 28, 2026 7:14

US Rep. Ilhan Omar assaulted with unknown spray at Minneapolis town hallUS congresswoman Ilhan Omar was assaulted with unknown white liquid spray during her address at Minneapolis town hall meeting. The unfortunate incident took place when the Minnesota democrat was speaking critically of the... [...]

Bomb cyclone threatens East Coast with blizzards and extreme cold

January 28, 2026 6:03

A powerful bomb cyclone is expected to develop off the US East Coast on Sunday, bringing the threat of a major winter storm, blizzard conditions, and severe cold from the Southeast to New England.Forecasters say the system will form as a strong jet stream over the subtropics collides with a surge... [...]

Ajit Pawar among five killed in deadly Maharashtra aircraft crash

January 28, 2026 5:40

Ajit Pawar, the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra, was killed in a charter aircraft crash that also claimed the lives of four others on board, on Wednesday. The aviation regulator confirmed that the aircraft went down in flames while Pawar was travelling to his home region to campaign in local... [...]

بلوچستان، اسسٹنٹ کمشنر کے آفس سے 270 کلو منشیات چوری

January 29, 2026 1:01

بلوچستان کے ضلع دکی کے اسسٹنٹ کمشنر آفس میں چوری کی انوکھی واردات، چور 270 کلو منشیات چوری کرکے فرار ہوگئے۔پولیس حکام کے مطابق ... [...]

ملک کے بالائی علاقوں میں خون جماتی سردی

January 29, 2026 1:01

ملک کے بالائی علاقوں میں بارش اور برف باری کے بعد موسم شدید سرد ہوگیا۔چمن، قلعہ عبداللّٰہ اور زیارت سمیت بلوچستان کے بالائی اور پاک... [...]

وزیر مملکت کا بانی پی ٹی آئی کو اسپتال لے جانے کی تصدیق یا تردید سے انکار

January 28, 2026 9:01

وزیر مملکت برائے داخلہ طلال چودھری نے بانی پی ٹی آئی کو اسپتال لے جانے کی خبر کی تصدیق یا تردید سے انکار کردیا۔ پروگرام آج شاہ زیب... [...]

فیض حمید کے بھائی نجف حمید کے خلاف کرپشن کیس

January 28, 2026 9:01

فیض حمید کے بھائی نجف حمید کے خلاف آمدن سے زائد اثاثہ جات کی انکوائری شروع کردی گئی۔ ذرائع کے مطابق نجف حمید سے متعلق تمام متعلقہ... [...]

سانحہ گل پلازا، گورنر سندھ کا جوڈیشل کمیشن کے لیے خط

January 28, 2026 9:01

گورنر سندھ کامران ٹیسوری نے سانحہ گل پلازا پر جوڈیشل کمیشن بنانے کے لیے چیف جسٹس سندھ ہائیکورٹ کو خط لکھ دیا۔کامران ٹیسوری نے... [...]

لاہور: سیوریج لائن میں گرنے والی خاتون کی لاش مل گئی، بچی کی تلاش جاری

January 28, 2026 8:01

اسکرین گریبلاہور میں بھاٹی گیٹ کے قریب سیوریج لائن میں گرنے والی خاتون کی لاش تقریباً 3 کلو میٹر دور آؤٹ فال روڈ سے مل گئی جبکہ... [...]

لاہور: خاتون اور بچی کے سیوریج لائن میں گرنے کا معاملہ معما بن گیا

January 28, 2026 6:01

لاہور میں بھاٹی دروازے کے قریب خاتون اور 9 ماہ بچی کے سیوریج لائن میں گرنے کا معاملہ معما بن گیا، دونوں کے گرنے کا دعویٰ خاتون کے... [...]

مریم نواز کا 7 کروڑ کی واپسی کیلئے لاہور ہائیکورٹ سے رجوع

January 28, 2026 6:01

فائل فوٹووزیراعلیٰ پنجاب مریم نواز نے چوہدری شوگر ملز کیس میں بطور گارنٹی جمع کروائے گئے 7 کروڑ روپے کی واپسی کےلیے لاہور ہائیکورٹ سے... [...]

نیب نے 4 لاکھ 61 ہزار ایکڑ زمین واپس لے لی، چیئرمین نے دستاویز وزیراعلیٰ سندھ کے حوالے کردیں

January 28, 2026 6:01

تصویر: وزیراعلیٰ ہاوس، فیس بکچیئرمین قومی احتساب بیورو لیفٹیننٹ جنرل نذیر احمد نے وزیراعلیٰ سندھ مراد علی شاہ کو سرکاری زمین کی... [...]

سانحہ گل پلازا پر جوڈیشل کمیشن سے منع نہیں کیا، ناصر شاہ

January 28, 2026 5:01

فائل فوٹووزیر بلدیات سندھ ناصر حسین شاہ نے کہا کہ حکومت نے سانحہ گل پلازا پر جوڈیشل کمیشن سے منع نہیں کیا ہے۔جیو نیوز کے پروگرام... [...]

پیپلزپارٹی چاہتی تو کام کرکے باقی جماعتوں کی سیاست ختم کرسکتی تھی، مصطفیٰ کمال

January 28, 2026 5:01

وفاقی وزیر صحت اور متحدہ قومی موومنٹ پاکستان کے سینئر رہنما مصطفیٰ کمال نے کہا ہے کہ پیپلز پارٹی چاہتی تو اپنے کام کے ذریعے باقی... [...]

گل پلازا آتشزدگی کو بچے سے جوڑ کر جان نہیں چھڑائی جاسکتی، منعم ظفر

January 28, 2026 4:01

فائل فوٹوامیر جماعت اسلامی کراچی منعم ظفر خان نے کہا ہے کہ گل پلازا آتشزدگی کو ایک بچے سے جوڑ کر ذمے داری سے جان نہیں چھڑائی... [...]

صدر آصف زرداری اور اماراتی نائب صدر شیخ محمد بن راشد المکتوم کی ملاقات

January 28, 2026 4:01

فوٹو بشکریہ پی پی پی/ایکسصدر مملکت آصف علی زرداری نے متحدہ عرب امارات کے نائب صدر شیخ محمد بن راشد المکتوم سے ملاقات کی۔ اس موقع پر... [...]

ایم کیو ایم نے سانحہ گل پلازا کی رپورٹ مسترد کردی

January 28, 2026 4:01

فوٹو: فائلوفاقی حکمران اتحاد میں شامل متحدہ قومی موومنٹ پاکستان نے سانحہ گل پلازا پر سندھ حکومت کی پیش کردہ رپورٹ مسترد کردی۔ترجمان... [...]

کراچی کے ذریعے پاکستان کا سارا قرض اتار سکتے ہیں، چیئرمین نیب

January 28, 2026 3:01

چیئرمین قومی احتساب بیورو لیفٹیننٹ جنرل نذیر احمد نے کہا ہے کہ کراچی کے ذریعے پاکستان کے سارے قرض اتار سکتے ہیں۔کراچی کے مقامی... [...]

ایران نے ٹرمپ کی دھمکیاں مسترد کر دیں، حملے کی صورت میں بھرپور جواب دینے کا اعلان

January 29, 2026 4:01

ایران کے وزیرِ خارجہ عباس عراقچی—فائل فوٹوایران نے امریکی صدر ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ کی جانب سے فوجی کارروائی کی دھمکیوں کو مسترد کرتے ہوئے... [...]

اسلام مخالف مہم چلانے پر اسرائیلی انفلوئنسر کا آسٹریلین ویزا منسوخ

January 29, 2026 4:01

—تصویر بشکریہ غیر ملکی میڈیاآسٹریلیا نے اسلام مخالف مہم چلانے والے اسرائیلی سوشل میڈیا انفلوئنسر سیمی یہود کا ویزا منسوخ کر... [...]

امریکا میں شدید سردی، ہلاکتیں 65 ہوگئیں

January 29, 2026 1:01

امریکا کے وسطی اور مشرقی علاقوں میں سردی کی لہر ہے، شدید سردی کے باعث ہلاکتوں کی تعداد 65 ہوگئی، معمولاتِ زندگی متاثر ہیں۔شکاگو میں... [...]

کولمبیا، چھوٹا طیارہ گر کر تباہ، سوار تمام 15 افراد ہلاک

January 28, 2026 11:01

کولمبیا میں چھوٹا طیارہ گر کر تباہ ہوگیا، طیارے میں سوار تمام 15 افراد ہلاک ہوگئے۔غیر ملکی میڈیا کے مطابق 15 افراد کو لے جانے والا ... [...]

مذاکرات کیلئے تیار ہیں، اقوام متحدہ میں ایرانی مشن

January 28, 2026 7:01

اقوام متحدہ میں ایرانی مشن کا کہنا ہے کہ مذاکرات کے لیے تیار ہیں ساتھ ہی دفاع کے لیے بھی تیار ہیں۔سوشل میڈیا پر بیان میں ایرانی مشن کا... [...]

ایران کی فوجی کارروائی کی صورت میں امریکا، اسرائیل اور انکے حمایتیوں کو نشانہ بنانے کی دھمکی

January 28, 2026 6:01

ایران نے اپنے خلاف امریکا کی فوجی کارروائی کی صورت میں امریکا، اسرائیل اور ان کے حمایتیوں کو نشانہ بنانے کی دھمکی دے دی۔ ایرانی... [...]

دبئی میں مسافروں کیلئے بڑی سہولت، شہر سے ہی ایئر پورٹ چیک اِن ممکن ہوگا

January 28, 2026 6:01

تصویر سوشل میڈیا۔دبئی میں ایئر پورٹ استعمال کرنے والے مسافروں کیلئے خوشخبری ہے۔ حکومتِ دبئی نے سفر کو مزید آسان بنانے کیلئے نیا... [...]

ایرانی حکومت ممکنہ طور پر پہلے سے زیادہ کمزور ہوگئی ہے، امریکی وزیر خارجہ

January 28, 2026 5:01

تصویر سوشل میڈیا۔امریکی وزیر خارجہ مارکو روبیو نے کہا ہے کہ ایرانی حکومت ممکنہ طور پر پہلے سے زیادہ کمزور ہوگئی ہے۔ امریکی سینیٹ کی... [...]

دبئی کو ’20 منٹ شہر‘ بنانے کا عزم کرلیا گیا

January 28, 2026 5:01

دبئی میں شہریوں کو تقریباً ہر سہولت زیادہ سے زیادہ 20 منٹس کی دوری پر مل جائے گی، دبئی حکومت نے شہر کو 20 منٹ شہر بنانے کا اعلان... [...]

2025 میں 23 ہزار 830 بھارتی غیرقانونی طور پر سرحد عبور کرتے ہوئے گرفتار کیے، امریکی کسٹمز

January 28, 2026 5:01

تصویر سوشل میڈیا۔امریکی کسٹمز اینڈ بارڈر پروٹیکشن کا کہنا ہے کہ 2025 میں 23 ہزار 830 بھارتی غیرقانونی طور پر سرحد عبور کرتے ہوئے گرفتار... [...]

مہاراشٹرا کے نائب وزیراعلیٰ کے طیارے کے حادثے سے قبل پائلٹ نے کیا کہا؟

January 28, 2026 4:01

--تصویر سوشل میڈیابھارتی ریاست مہاراشٹر کے نائب وزیرِ اعلیٰ اجیت پوار کے طیارے کو پیش آنے والے حادثے سے قبل طیارے کے پائلٹ کی گفتگو... [...]

اجیت پوار کی موت محض ایک حادثہ ہے، سازش خارج ازامکان ہے، شرد پوار

January 28, 2026 4:01

شرد پوار کی اپنے آنجہانی بھتیجے اجیت پوار کے ساتھ ایک پرانی تصویر نیشنل کانگریس پارٹی کے صدر، مہاراشٹر کے سابق وزیراعلیٰ اور بھارت... [...]

حماس نے غزہ کا انتظام فلسطینی کمیشن کے حوالے کرنے پر رضامندی ظاہر کر دی

January 28, 2026 3:01

تصویر سوشل میڈیا۔حماس نے غزہ کی پٹی کا انتظام فلسطینی کمیشن کے حوالے کرنے پر رضامندی ظاہر کر دی۔ غیر ملکی خبر ایجنسی کے مطابق حماس... [...]

بھارت میں جان لیوا نیپاہ وائرس پھیلنے لگا، پھیلاؤ روکنے کیلئے کئی ممالک میں اقدامات

January 28, 2026 2:01

--تصویر سوشل میڈیابھارت میں جان لیوا نیپاہ وائرس کے کیسز رپورٹ ہوئے ہیں۔ خبر ایجنسی کے مطابق وائرس کا پھیلاؤ روکنے کےلیے تھائی لینڈ،... [...]

بھارت اور یورپی یونین کے آزاد تجارتی و دفاعی معاہدے، امریکا ناراض

January 28, 2026 12:01

امریکی وزیر خزانہ اسکاٹ بیسینٹبھارت اور یورپی یونین کے درمیان آزاد تجارتی اور دفاعی معاہدے پر امریکا ناراض ہوگیا۔امریکی وزیر خزانہ... [...]

اسٹاک ایکسچینج: مثبت رجحان، انڈیکس 1 لاکھ 88 ہزار سے متجاوز

January 29, 2026 4:01

—فائل فوٹوپاکستان اسٹاک ایکسچینج میں کاروباری ہفتے کے چوتھے روز آج مثبت رجحان دیکھا جا رہا ہے۔بازارِ حصص میں کاروبار کے دوران 100... [...]

ملک میں سونے کی قیمت کا ایک اور ریکارڈ: فی تولہ ساڑھے 5 لاکھ روپے سے تجاوز کر گیا

January 28, 2026 10:01

---فائل فوٹوملک میں سونے کی فی تولہ قیمت ساڑھے 5 لاکھ روپے سے تجاوز کر گئی ہے۔آل پاکستان صرافہ جیمز اینڈ جیولرز ایسوسی ایشن کے مطابق... [...]

پی ایس ایکس: کاروبار کا ملا جلا دن، 100 انڈیکس میں 177 پوائنٹس کا اضافہ

January 28, 2026 5:01

—فائل فوٹوپاکستان اسٹاک ایکسچینج میں کاروباری ہفتے کے تیسرے روز کاروبار کا ملا جلا دن رہا جہاں 100 انڈیکس میں 177 پوائنٹس کا اضافہ... [...]

جنوری میں مہنگائی کی شرح 5 سے 6 فیصد رہنے کی توقع، آؤٹ لک رپورٹ جاری

January 27, 2026 4:01

—فائل فوٹووزارتِ خزانہ نے جنوری تک معاشی آؤٹ لک رپورٹ جاری کر دی۔وزارتِ خزانہ کی آؤٹ لک رپورٹ کے مطابق جنوری میں مہنگائی کی شرح 5... [...]

ایرانی کرنسی کی قدر میں ریکارڈ کمی ہوگئی

January 27, 2026 3:01

تصویر سوشل میڈیا۔ایرانی کرنسی کی قدر میں ریکارڈ کمی ہوگئی، ایرانی کرنسی ٹریکنگ ویب سائٹس کا کہنا ہے کہ ایک ڈالر کے مقابلے میں ایرانی... [...]

حکومت کی آئی ایم ایف سے کچھ شعبوں میں رعایتیں لینے کی تیاری

January 27, 2026 12:01

—فائل فوٹوپاکستان اور انٹرنیشنل مانیٹری فنڈ کے درمیان آئندہ مذاکرات کے معاملے پر نئی حکمتِ عملی طے پائی ہے۔وزارتِ خزانہ کے ذرائع... [...]

سونے کی فی تولہ قیمت 1500 روپے کم ہوگئی

January 27, 2026 10:01

ملک میں آج سونے کی فی تولہ قیمت 1500 جبکہ 10 گرام سونے کی قیمت 1286 روپے کم ہوگئی۔قیمتوں میں کمی کے بعد فی تولہ سونے کی قیمت 5 لاکھ 30 ہزار 562... [...]

اسٹیٹ بینک کا شرح سود برقرار رکھنے کا فیصلہ

January 26, 2026 11:01

فائل فوٹواسٹیٹ بینک نے مانیٹری پالیسی کا اعلان کردیا۔ مرکزی بینک کی جانب سے شرح سود برقرار رکھنے کا فیصلہ کیا گیا... [...]

سونے کی قیمت میں 10 ہزار روپے سے زائد کا اضافہ ہوگیا

January 26, 2026 7:01

فائل فوٹوملک میں سونے کی فی تولہ قیمت میں یکمشت 10 ہزار 900 روپے کا اضافہ ہوگیا۔آل پاکستان صرافہ جیمز اینڈ جیولرز ایسوسی ایشن کے مطابق... [...]

پی ایس ایکس میں مثبت رجحان، 100 انڈیکس ایک لاکھ 90 ہزار سے تجاوز کرگیا

January 26, 2026 5:01

فائل فوٹوپاکستان اسٹاک ایکسچینج میں کاروباری ہفتے کے پہلے روز آج مثبت رجحان دیکھا جا رہا ہے۔ بازار حصص میں کاروبار کے دوران 100... [...]

پولیٹیکل اکانومی اصل مسئلہ ہے: بلال اظہر کیانی

January 25, 2026 3:01

وفاقی وزیرِ مملکت بلال اظہر کیانی—فائل فوٹووفاقی وزیرِ مملکت بلال اظہر کیانی نے کہا ہے کہ پولیٹیکل اکانومی اصل مسئلہ ہے، حکومت 5 سال... [...]

چند لوگوں نے معاشرے سے امید چھین لی: مصدق ملک

January 25, 2026 3:01

مصق ملک—فائل فوٹووفاقی وزیر برائے موسمیاتی تبدیلی مصدق ملک نے کہا ہے کہ چند لوگوں نے معاشرے سے امید چھین لی ہے۔انہوں نے یہ بات... [...]

پاکستان میں غربت کے خاتمے کیلئے مفتاح اسماعیل نے تجاویز پیش کر دیں

January 25, 2026 3:01

مفتاح اسماعیل— فائل فوٹوسابق وفاقی وزیرِ خزانہ مفتاح اسماعیل نے تجویز دی ہے کہ نیشنل فنانس کمیشن کم کریں، لوکل گورنمنٹ یا پھر نئے... [...]

اسٹیٹ بینک مانیٹری پالیسی میں شرح سود سنگل ڈیجٹ پر لائے، صدر لاہور چیمبر

January 25, 2026 9:01

— فائل فوٹو صدر لاہور ایوان صنعت و تجارت فہیم الرحمٰن سہگل کا کہنا ہے کہ اسٹیٹ بینک کل مانیٹری پالیسی میں شرح سود سنگل ڈیجٹ پر... [...]

ایم ڈی آئی ایم ایف کرسٹالینا جارجیوا شہباز شریف حکومت کی معترف

January 23, 2026 6:01

عالمی مالیاتی ادارے کی مینیجنگ ڈائریکٹر کرسٹالینا جارجیوا نے وزیرِ اعظم شہباز شریف کی معاشی اصلاحات کی تعریف کی ہے۔کرسٹالینا... [...]

Investors cheer the end of Southwest’s open-seating era, as airline forecasts a big 2026 profit

January 28, 2026 11:56

Southwest’s five-decade-long era of open seating ended on Tuesday. [...]

AT&T’s earnings impress as subscriber growth booms and the stock jumps

January 28, 2026 11:50

AT&T added 283,000 fiber subscribers and 421,000 net postpaid phone subscribers in the latest quarter, reflecting a push for “convergence” of connectivity offerings. [...]

Starbucks rewards investors who have been betting the turnaround is taking hold

January 28, 2026 11:46

Starbucks sees a second straight quarter of growth in sales of stores open at least a year, in a sign that the turnaround is taking shape. [...]

Micron and other chip stocks are seeing a big boost after these comments

January 28, 2026 11:38

Seagate says prices could go higher for its storage products as supply remains tight due to AI. [...]

S&P 500 touches 7,000 for the first time, led by a surprising group of stocks

January 28, 2026 10:56

The S&P 500 on Wednesday blew past another psychological barrier, hitting 7,000 for the first time in history — before pulling back. [...]

‘I feel like this does us a disservice’: My brother wants his $1 million inheritance in advance. Should he pay interest?

January 28, 2026 10:47

“The total value of our family trust is $4 million.” [...]

ServiceNow says AI is ‘really kicking in’ — but it’s not enough to help the stock

January 28, 2026 10:46

Shares of the software company were set to extend declines despite a better-than-expected forecast. [...]

‘I don’t own a house’: I’m 50 with $2 million and I’m scared about losing my job. Can I retire early?

January 28, 2026 10:46

“My monthly expenses are around $6,000. That includes rent.” [...]

10,000 flights canceled, a $200 million hit from the storm and a plunging stock: American Airlines’ bad week

January 28, 2026 9:05

American “is not in a position of strength as a business” to weather the reputational hit, which may further weaken customer preference for the airline, at least in the short term. [...]

How do I open a ‘Trump account’? The IRS has one simple solution for you.

January 28, 2026 9:04