Investors Information | Tariq Vohra Securities (Private) Limited

News

Business Recorder - Markets
Business Recorder - Business & Finance
Business Recorder - Latest News
The News International - National
The News International - World
قومی خبریں
بین الاقوامی خبریں
تجارتی خبریں
MarketWatch.com - Top Stories
MarketWatch.com - MarketWatch Breaking News Bulletins
MarketWatch.com - MarketPulse

Oil prices dip on supply build expectations, Greenland tension

January 21, 2026 11:56

LONDON: Oil prices dipped on Wednesday as investors assessed expectations of a build in U.S. crude inventories, a temporary shutdown at two large fields in Kazakhstan and fresh geopolitical tension tied to U.S. tariff threats in its bid to gain control of Greenland. Brent futures were down 12 cents, or 0.2%, to $64.80 a barrel at 1125 GMT. The U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude contract was down 11 cents, also 0.2%, at $60.25 a barrel. Both contracts closed about 1.5% higher in the previous session after OPEC+ producer Kazakhstan halted output at the Tengiz and Korolev oilfields on Sunday due to power distribution issues. Strong Chinese economic data was also positive. Oil production at the two Kazakh fields could be halted for another seven to 10 days, three industry sources told Reuters. The oil output halt at Tengiz, one of the world’s largest oilfields, and Korolev is temporary, and downward pressure from an expected rise in U.S. crude inventories along with geopolitical tension will persist, IG market analyst Tony Sycamore said on Wednesday. U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday there was “no going back” on his goal to control Greenland. Last week he vowed to implement a wave of increasing tariffs on European allies until the U.S. is allowed to buy the Arctic island. The increased geopolitical tensions, which add pressure to the oil markets as tariffs could slow economic growth, were adding to risk-off sentiment, said UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo. U.S. crude oil and gasoline stockpiles were expected to have risen last week, while distillate inventories likely fell, a preliminary Reuters poll showed on Tuesday. Six analysts polled by Reuters estimated on average that crude inventories rose by about 1.7 million barrels in the week to January 16. The American Petroleum Institute weekly inventory data is due at 4:30 p.m. EST (2130 GMT) on Wednesday, and figures from the Energy Information Administration, the statistical arm of the U.S. Department of Energy, are due at 12 p.m. EST (1700 GMT) on Thursday, both a day later due to a U.S. federal holiday on Monday. While such inventory growth would be negative for oil prices, Gregory Brew, senior analyst with the Eurasia Group consultancy, said the potential for U.S.-Iran tensions to re-escalate would be supportive. Trump threatened to strike Iran over its violent crackdown on anti-government protests earlier this month. (Reporting by Stephanie Kelly in London, Katya Golubkova in Tokyo and Emily Chow in Singapore. Editing by Mark Potter, Kirsten Donovan) [...]

Indian shares extend losses after Tuesday’s selloff; rupee slumps to record low

January 21, 2026 11:27

Indian shares fell on Wednesday, extending losses after their steepest drop in over eight months in the previous session, as global trade and geopolitical woes continued to fuel foreign selling. The Nifty 50 fell 0.3% to 25,157.5 while the BSE Sensex eased 0.33% to 81,909.63, both logging fresh three-month lows. The indexes fell 1.4% and 1.3% on Tuesday. Asian stocks extended losses to a third session amid mounting tensions over President Donald Trump’s threats to acquire Greenland and reignite a trade war with the European Union. Weak domestic earnings, marked by misses from heavyweights such as Reliance Industries and ICICI Bank, and foreign outflows have also dragged Indian shares. Twelve of 16 major sectors logged losses. The small- and mid-caps lost 0.9% and 1.1%, respectively, to close at eight-month and three-month lows. “A wave of global turbulence has washed over domestic equities, dragging markets lower, not because of weakening fundamentals at home, but due to a dramatic shift in global risk appetite,” said Deven Choksey, managing director at DRChoksey FinServ. “As U.S. bond yields rise and geopolitical tensions escalate, fueled by fresh tariff threats, investors worldwide are racing to de-risk their portfolios, unleashing a renewed bout of foreign outflows from India”. Foreign investors have sold $3.23 billion of Indian shares in January, after offloading a record $19 billion in 2025. Foreign outflows weighed on the rupee, which sank to a record low on Wednesday, with a Greenland-driven decline in global equities amplifying outflow pressures. Among individual stocks, Shoppers Stop fell 6.2% while PTC India Financial Services slid 6.4% after reporting quarterly profit declines. In contrast, CreditAccess Grameen jumped 9.1% after posting a quarterly profit compared to a loss a year earlier. Indiamart Intermesh and Tribhovandas Bhimji Zaveri gained 6% and 2% on upbeat results. Persistent Systems fell 2% despite posting a rise in quarterly profit as multiple brokerages projected limited upside citing rich valuations. [...]

Indian rupee slides to record low on global market woes; lack of RBI presence worsens fall

January 21, 2026 11:16

MUMBAI: The Indian rupee plunged to a record low and suffered its biggest single-session fall in two months on Wednesday, as a global bond rout and U.S. threats to acquire Greenland kept investors on edge and amplified concerns over outflows. The Indian rupee fell for the sixth straight session, slipping to an all-time low of 91.7425 against the dollar. It closed down 0.8% at 91.6950 against 90.9750 previous close. The fall was exacerbated as the Reserve Bank of India stayed away from the market, and did not provide dollar supply, traders said. The Indian rupee, the worst performing Asian on the day, is down 2% so far this month, after falling about 5% in 2025. Many of the challenges that weighed on the rupee in 2025 remain in place. Equity outflows persist and importers are more inclined to hedge than exporters amid expectations of a further depreciation. And while India’s current-account deficit remains manageable, the lack of capital inflows is a hurdle, leaving the currency exposed to further weakness, analysts said. Indian equities dropped 0.3% on the day, after registering their biggest drop in over eight months on Tuesday. Foreign investors have withdrawn about $3 billion from Indian shares in January after record outflows of nearly $19 billion in 2025. “Flows mainly drive the USD/INR pair, thus weakness may continue to persist with interim legs of intervention expected from RBI in case of excess volatility,” said Kunal Sodhani, head of treasury at Shinhan Bank India. India Forex Advisors said the currency will remain sensitive to corporate demand dynamics and portfolio flows. An escalation in global risk aversion would likely reinforce outflows, increasing downside pressure on the rupee. Lack of progress on a trade deal with the U.S. has further deprived the rupee of a potential inflow catalyst. Adding to the strain on the currency this year is weakness in most Asian peers — a factor that was largely absent in 2025. Investors now await U.S. President Trump’s speech in Davos due later in the day. [...]

Palm rises more than 1% to seven-week high on festive demand

January 21, 2026 11:04

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian palm oil futures rose more than 1% to a seven-week high on Wednesday, as anticipation of stronger demand for the Lunar New Year holidays boosted the market. The benchmark palm oil contract for April delivery on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange gained 60 ringgit, or 1.47%, to 4,154 ringgit ($1,026.69) a metric ton, the highest close since December 2. Crude palm oil futures traded higher amid expectations of strong demand in the coming weeks ahead of the Lunar New Year festive season next month, said David Ng, a proprietary trader at Kuala Lumpur-based trading firm Iceberg X Sdn Bhd. Cargo surveyors estimated exports of Malaysian palm oil products for January 1-20 have risen between 8.64% and 11.4% month-on-month. Dalian’s most-active soyoil contract firmed 0.25%, while its palm oil contract added 1.28%. Soyoil prices on the Chicago Board of Trade were up 0.61%. Palm oil tracks the price movements of rival edible oils as it competes for a share of the global vegetable oils market. Oil prices fell as an expected build-up of U.S. crude inventories outweighed a temporary halt in output at two large fields in Kazakhstan and geopolitical pressure from U.S. threats of tariffs over its bid to gain control of Greenland. Weaker crude oil futures make palm a less attractive option for biodiesel feedstock. The ringgit, palm’s currency of trade, strengthened 0.2% against the dollar, making the commodity slightly expensive for buyers holding foreign currencies and capping further gains. Palm oil prices in February are expected to remain rangebound between 4,000 ringgit and 4,300 ringgit ($987-$1,061) per ton, supported by seasonal declines in production and stocks, the Malaysian Palm Oil Council said. [...]

PSX snaps buying streak as KSE-100 sheds nearly 1,600 points

January 21, 2026 10:52

Rupee records gain against US dollar

January 21, 2026 10:40

The Pakistani rupee registered marginal gain against the US dollar in the inter-bank market on Wednesday. At close, the local currency settled at 279.90, a gain of Re0.01 against the greenback. On Tuesday, the local unit closed at 279.91. Internationally, the US dollar languished near three-week lows against the euro and Swiss franc on Wednesday after White House threats over Greenland triggered a broad selloff in U.S. ‌assets, from the currency to Wall Street stocks and Treasury bonds. The yen was equally on the ropes following a surge in Japanese government bond yields to record highs as investors fretted about fiscal largesse with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi looking to expand her mandate in snap elections next month. Declines in the dollar accelerated sharply overnight with a 0.53% slide in the dollar index - which measures the ‌currency against six major peers - marking its worst single-day performance in six weeks. On Wednesday, it was flat at 98.541. The greenback tumbled more than 1% against Europe’s shared currency at one point on Tuesday to reach the lowest since December 30 at $1.1770 per euro . It was last changing hands at $1.1720. Oil prices, a key indicator of currency parity, fell on Wednesday as an expected build-up of US crude inventories outweighed a temporary halt in output at two large fields in Kazakhstan and geopolitical pressure from US threats of tariffs over its bid to gain control of Greenland. Brent futures fell 76 cents, or 1.2%, to $64.16 a barrel at 0445 GMT. The US West Texas Intermediate crude contract lost 60 cents, or 1%, to trade at $59.76 a barrel. [...]

Global oil demand growth to rise in 2026, IEA says

January 21, 2026 9:40

LONDON: The International Energy Agency revised its 2026 global oil demand growth forecasts higher on Wednesday in its latest monthly oil market report, suggesting a slightly narrower surplus for the market this year. The IEA now expects global oil demand to rise by 930,000 barrels per day (bpd) this year, up from the 860,000 bpd growth forecast in its previous report. That suggests global oil supply will exceed demand by 3.69 million bpd this year, according to Reuters calculations based on the report, narrowing from an implied surplus of 3.84 million bpd in the Paris-based watchdog’s December report. “For now, bloated balances provide some comfort to market participants and have kept prices in check,” the IEA said. [...]

New all-time high: gold per tola jumps past Rs500,000 mark in Pakistan

January 21, 2026 7:57

Gold prices in Pakistan increased on Wednesday in line with their gain in the international market. In the local market, gold price per tola reached Rs506,362 after a gain of Rs12,700 during the day. Similarly, 10-gram gold was sold at Rs434,123 after it increased by Rs10,888, according to rates shared by the All-Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association (APGJSA). On Tuesday, gold price per tola reached Rs493,662 after a gain of Rs4,300 during the day. The international rate of gold was up by $127 to reach $4,840 per ounce (with a premium of $20). Meanwhile, the price of silver increased by Rs64 to reach Rs9,933 per tola. [...]

Sterling holds firm after UK data shows pickup in inflation

January 21, 2026 7:23

LONDON: The pound held steady on Wednesday, after data showed UK inflation picked up more than expected in December, which could lower the chances of more aggressive rate cuts from the Bank of England this year. Geopolitical tensions have dominated activity in the currency market this week, overshadowing even economic data, as the prospect of another trade war between the United States and Europe has prompted investors to hedge against this risk by selling US assets, including the dollar against the pound. Official UK data showed the headline rate of inflation accelerated to 3.4% in December, compared with a forecast of 3.3% in a Reuters poll of economists and against a 3.2% rate the month before, while services inflation also sped up to 4.5% from 4.4% in November. Sterling traded at $1.3438, showing little change on the day or from levels traded right before the inflation report. Against the euro , the pound also held steady at 87.22 pence. [...]

UK inflation rises more than expected to 3.4%

January 21, 2026 7:13

LONDON: Britain’s main inflation measure sped up by more than expected to 3.4% in December from 3.2% in November, official figures showed on Wednesday. A Reuters poll of economists had shown a median forecast of a rise in consumer price inflation to 3.3%. Inflation in Britain remains the highest in the Group of Seven, despite the country’s sluggish economic growth. But the pace of price increases is expected to slow sharply in the coming months as last year’s rises in utility costs and other government-controlled tariffs fall out of the annual comparison. Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey has said inflation is likely to be close to the central bank’s 2% target in April or May. Financial markets are pricing one or possibly two quarter-point interest rate cuts by the BoE in 2026. In December, the BoE’s Monetary Policy Committee cut Bank Rate to 3.75% but almost half its members voted for no change due to worries about the persistence of inflation pressure. [...]

Australian shares extend declines after global selloff, banks top drag

January 21, 2026 6:56

Australian shares extended losses on Wednesday, following a global selloff after U.S President Donald Trump’s spat with Europe over Greenland reignited geopolitical uncertainty. The S&P/ASX 200 index fell 0.4% to 8,782 by 0007 GMT and was headed for a third straight session of declines, with losses in banks outweighing gains in miners. The benchmark slid 0.7% on Tuesday in its sharpest fall since mid-December. Stocks across Wall Street, Europe and Asia have been trading lower since Trump threatened extra levies on eight European countries that are against his move to take control of Greenland. In Sydney, rate-sensitive banks shed 1.3%, hitting their lowest level since December 1. The “big four” banks fell between 0.9% and 1.8%. Investors are now awaiting the December jobs report, due for release on Thursday, and the December-quarter inflation data next week for a better picture of the country’s interest rate trajectory. Technology stocks tumbled 2.2% to their lowest level since early-April 2025. Healthcare and real estate stocks fell 0.6% and 0.7%, respectively. Limiting the benchmark index’s fall, gold stocks soared 3% to record levels as prices of the safe-haven asset notched another fresh peak. Evolution Mining climbed 5.8% to an all-time high after reporting a 9.8% sequential rise in December-quarter gold production. Westgold Rescources rose 8.1% to a record high on reporting record quarterly production. Gains in gold stocks helped the mining sub-index rise 1.4%. Sub-index heavyweight Rio Tinto advanced 1.1% as it beat expectations for quarterly iron ore and copper production. BHP Group added 0.7%. Lynas Rare Earths rose 6% after reporting a 43% jump in its second-quarter revenue. In New Zealand, the benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index fell more than 1% to 13,409, its lowest level in nearly a month. [...]

Australia, New Zealand dollars sit on gains, bond sale snapped up

January 21, 2026 6:52

SYDNEY: The Australian and New Zealand dollars were taking a breather on Wednesday after two sessions of gains, as markets anxiously awaited a speech by President Donald Trump in Davos that could calm, or inflame, tensions with Europe. Concerns European funds might offload US assets slugged stocks and bonds overnight and sent the greenback broadly lower. A selloff in Japanese bonds further spooked investors and helped lift the Aussie to an 18-month high on the yen. The net result was to leave the Aussie firm at $0.6736, having gained 0.3% overnight to reach as far as $0.6746. Resistance lies at a recent 15-month top of $0.6766, with major support around $0.6665. The kiwi dollar stood at $0.5830, after climbing 0.6% overnight and touching $0.5851. That was just a whisker from its recent three-month peak of $0.5853, and a break would open the way toward $0.6007. Local bond markets were looking to stabilise from the Japanese rout, with yields on 10-year debt back at 4.765% having spiked as high as 4.806% at one stage. Sentiment was aided by strong demand for the government’s sale of A$15 billion ($10.10 billion) in new 2037 Treasury bonds, which drew bids worth almost A$67 billion. Domestic data makes a return on Thursday with the Australian jobs report for December due. Median forecasts are for a rebound of 30,000 in employment, following a surprise 21,300 drop in November. The jobless rate is seen edging up to 4.4%, from 4.3%, which would be dead in line with the Reserve Bank of Australia’s own forecasts. A much weaker outcome would lean against the chance of a near-term hike in interest rates, though everything depends on fourth-quarter inflation figures out next week. Analysts assume a rise of 0.9% or more in the trimmed mean measure of core inflation would sharply narrow the odds for a hike at the RBA’s next meeting on February 3. Markets currently imply around a 30% probability of a quarter-point rise in the 3.6% cash rate. “Our central case is that the RBA will begin to raise its cash rate in Q3, but there is a tangible risk of an earlier move,” said Paul Bloxham, head of Australian economics at HSBC. “We expect the Q4 trimmed mean to print at 0.8% q-o-q and 3.2% y-o-y, but a higher print risks a February hike.” [...]

Shanghai copper drops as SHFE raises margin requirements, demand remains poor

January 21, 2026 6:49

Copper prices in China fell on Wednesday after Shanghai Futures Exchange raised margin requirements for some copper contracts. The most-traded copper contract on SHFE dropped 0.65% to 100,580 yuan ($14,440.15) a metric ton, as of 0330 GMT. The benchmark three month copper on the London Metal Exchange, however, gained 0.65% to $12,836.50 a ton. SHFE said on Tuesday that it would increase margin ratios and widen daily price limits for some metals including copper, aluminum, gold and silver futures contracts from the settlement on January 22. Such a move was widely seen installed to stabilize the market as copper has seen sharp price swings in recent weeks, after a record-setting rally in 2025. Shanghai copper gained 1.58% so far this year, after setting a record of 105,870 yuan a ton. Copper was also under pressure from sluggish demand from consumers as price remained elevated. The Yangshan copper premium, a gauge of Chinese demand for imported copper, was at $26 a ton on Tuesday, the lowest since late July, 2024. In the domestic market, copper premium has flipped to a discount of 150 yuan a ton, also indicating a lack of buying interest for copper in the spot market. But the red metal was still supported by expectations of tight supply outside the US market due to tariff treats and mine disruptions. Elsewhere, tin was the sole gainer among SHFE base metals, with most-active contract up 1.79% to 402,600 yuan a ton while leading gains on the LME, up 2.20% to $50,500 a ton. Indonesia’s military-backed crackdown on mining activities on illegally cleared forest continued to unnerve the industry, pushing up tin prices. Among other SHFE base metal, aluminium dipped 0.35%, zinc lost 0.68%, lead shed 0.81% and nickel tumbled 1.16%. Elsewhere on LME, aluminium rose 0.64%, zinc added 0.33%, lead gained 0.27%, and nickel climbed 1.08%. [...]

Iron ore futures extend losses as Rio Tinto reports rise in quarterly shipments

January 21, 2026 6:40

SINGAPORE: Iron ore futures fell for the fifth straight session on Wednesday as Rio Tinto, the world’s top supplier, reported strong iron ore shipments in its fourth quarter, while concerns over safety inspections weighed on the Chinese market. The most-traded May iron ore contract on China’s Dalian Commodity Exchange (DCE) ended morning trade 0.25% lower at 784.5 yuan ($112.63) a metric ton. The benchmark February iron ore on the Singapore Exchange lost 0.74% to $103.2 a ton as of 0349 GMT after touching its lowest since December 17 at $103 earlier. Rio Tinto reported a 7% rise in fourth-quarter iron ore shipments on Wednesday, aided by record quarterly production from Pilbara operations and strong rail and port outload performance. An increase in foreign iron ore shipments would exert downward pressure on Chinese iron ore prices. Meanwhile, concerns about stricter safety supervisions following an explosion at a steel plate factory in China’s northern region of Inner Mongolia stoked fears over feedstocks demand. Though hot metal output rose 22,800 million tons week-on-week, transaction volumes of iron ore at major ports in China have been sluggish, according to data from Mysteel released January 21. Overall, the sentiment has remained bearish and risk-adverse, with iron ore prices seen facing resistance in the short-term, the Shanghai Metals Market said. Other steelmaking ingredients on the DCE languished, with coking coal and coke declining 2.65% and 1.09%, respectively. Steel benchmarks on the Shanghai Futures Exchange dipped. Rebar shed 0.42%, hot-rolled coil loss 0.21%, wire rod softened 0.17 and stainless steel remained unchanged. [...]

China stocks rise on AI sentiment rebounding

January 21, 2026 6:28

SHANGHAI: China stocks rose on Wednesday, led by artificial-intelligence firms, as sentiment steadied after regulators cooled exuberance this month. Hong Kong shares declined. China’s blue-chip CSI300 Index climbed 0.3% by the lunch break, while the Shanghai Composite Index gained 0.2%. Hong Kong benchmark Hang Seng fell 0.2%. Onshore AI stocks rose 2.2% after three sessions of declines, while semiconductors climbed 2.9%. Non-ferrous metals advanced 1.7%. A UBS survey shows strong investor interest across metals-linked sectors in the first quarter, along with preference for basic materials, aerospace, semiconductors and related equipment. “At the same time, clients expressed concern over stretched valuations and the risk-reward profile of China A-share tech stocks after their sharp year-to-date rally,” UBS analysts said. Over the past week, Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges each took regulatory measures against hundreds of abnormal trading practices such as price pumping and false orders. The bourses also launched probes into several listed companies over allegedly misleading statements. The measures reflect regulators’ intention to slow the pace of market gains. Analysts at AllianceBernstein said China’s onshore shares securing a third straight annual gain in 2026 will hinge on earnings beginning to deliver on growth expectations. China Vanke’s onshore shares rose 2.3% after its bondholders agreed to defer receiving payment of 60% of the principal for a 1.1 billion yuan ($158 million) puttable bond by one year, a filing showed. [...]

Rupee records marginal gain against US dollar

January 21, 2026 3:15

The Pakistani rupee registered marginal gain against the US dollar in the inter-bank market on Wednesday. At close, the local currency settled at 279.90, a gain of Re0.01 against the greenback. On Tuesday, the local unit closed at 279.91. Internationally, the US dollar languished near three-week lows against the euro and Swiss franc on Wednesday after White House threats over Greenland triggered a broad selloff in US ‌assets, from the currency to Wall Street stocks and Treasury bonds. The yen was equally on the ropes following a surge in Japanese government bond yields to record highs as investors fretted about fiscal largesse with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi looking to expand her mandate in snap elections next month. Declines in the dollar accelerated sharply overnight with a 0.53% slide in the dollar index - which measures the ‌currency against six major peers - marking its worst single-day performance in six weeks. On Wednesday, it was flat at 98.541. The greenback tumbled more than 1% against Europe’s shared currency at one point on Tuesday to reach the lowest since December 30 at $1.1770 per euro . It was last changing hands at $1.1720. Oil prices, a key indicator of currency parity, rose on Wednesday as investors assessed a temporary shutdown at two large fields in Kazakhstan, expectations of a build in US crude inventories and fresh geopolitical tension tied to US tariff threats in its bid to gain control of Greenland. Brent futures gained 11 cents, or 0.2%, to $65.03 a barrel at 1343 GMT. The US West Texas Intermediate crude contract rose 14 cents, also 0.2%, to $60.50 a barrel. Inter-bank market rates for dollar on Wednesday BID Rs 279.90 OFFER Rs 280.10 Open-market movement In the open market, the PKR gained 5 paise for buying and 14 paise for selling against USD, closing at 280.37 and 281.18, respectively. Against Euro, the PKR lost 61 paise for buying and 75 paise for selling, closing at 328.20 and 331.30, respectively. Against UAE Dirham, the PKR remained unchanged for buying and lost 1 paisa for selling, closing at 76.53 and 77.31, respectively. Against Saudi Riyal, the PKR remained unchanged for both buying and selling, closing at 74.84 and 75.46, respectively. Open-market rates for dollar on Wednesday BID Rs 280.37 OFFER Rs 281.18 [...]

PSX snaps buying streak as KSE-100 sheds nearly 1,600 points

January 21, 2026 2:32

After days of positive momentum, selling pressure returned at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), with the benchmark KSE-100 Index shedding nearly 1,600 points on Wednesday. The market kicked off trading relatively firm and briefly attempted to move higher, hitting an intra-day high of 189,523.43. However, it failed to hold gains as selling pressure gripped the bourse for most of the trading session. The selling intensified during the final hours of trading, pushing the benchmark index to an intra-day low of 186,626.85. At close, the KSE-100 Index settled at 187,033.26, a decrease of 1,588.52 points or 0.84%. “The local bourse witnessed a bout of profit booking as investors sought to maximize recent gains, leading to a volatile trading session,” brokerage house Topline Securities said in its post-market report. Select index heavyweights—PPL, SAZEW, and NBP—provided some respite, collectively contributing 135 points to the index. However, selling pressure in MEBL, ENGROH, MCB, HBL, and SYS outweighed these gains, cumulatively shaving 792 points off the benchmark, it added. In a key development, repatriation of profits and dividends by foreign investors rose sharply 27% in the first half of the current fiscal year (FY26), highlighting stronger earnings outflows from Pakistan. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Tuesday reported that foreign companies operating in the country repatriated $1.559 billion in profits and dividends during July-December of FY26 compared to $1.226 billion in the same period last year (FY25). On Tuesday, the PSX concluded trading on a positive note as benchmark indices extended gains amid sustained investor participation. The KSE-100 Index advanced by 860.09 points, or 0.46%, to close at 188,621.78 points. Globally, Asian stocks extended their losses for a third session on Wednesday, undone by heightened tensions over US threats to acquire Greenland ahead of President Donald Trump’s Davos speech, while a global bond rout appeared to slow for now. Fears of offshore selling of ‌US assets - the so-called “Sell America” trade that emerged after last year’s “Liberation Day” tariff announcements in April - gripped markets as Wall Street tumbled over 2% overnight and the US dollar suffered its biggest fall in over a month. That sent investors fleeing to the safety of gold and silver, which both notched record highs. Trump, however, doubled down on his rhetoric over Greenland, saying there was “no going back” on his goal to control the island, refusing to rule out taking it by force. His threat of tariffs on Europe has also rekindled fears of a global trade war. The European Union will convene an emergency summit in Brussels on Thursday to discuss the matter, with the long-standing US-EU alliance ‍clearly at risk. All eyes are now on the World Economic Forum in Davos where Trump is due to deliver a speech on Wednesday. In early trade, MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan fell 0.3%. Japan’s Nikkei slumped 1.2%, down for the fifth straight day. Meanwhile, the Pakistani rupee registered marginal gain against the US dollar in the inter-bank market on Wednesday. At close, the local currency settled at 279.90, a gain of Re0.01 against the greenback. Volume on the all-share index increased to 1,325.60 million from 1,225.81 million recorded in the previous close. The value of shares rose to Rs69.58 billion from Rs63.90 billion in the previous session. K-Electric Ltd was the volume leader with 263.24 million shares, followed by Hascol Petrol with 100.76 million shares, and Fauji Foods Ltd with 74.97 million shares. Shares of 488 companies were traded on Wednesday, of which 118 registered an increase, 331 recorded a fall, and 39 remained unchanged. [...]

India’s Reliance to buy sanctions-compliant Russian oil in February and March, sources say

January 21, 2026 2:22

NEW DELHI/MOSCOW: India’s Reliance Industries Ltd, operator of the world’s largest refining complex, is set to receive sanctions-compliant Russian oil in February and March after a one-month pause, four sources familiar with the matter said. Reliance last received Russian crude in December after securing a one-month U.S. concession that allowed it to wind down dealings with the sanctioned Russian oil producer Rosneft beyond a November 21 deadline. Like other Indian refiners, Reliance will buy Russian oil from non-sanctioned sellers, the sources said, without elaborating on the number of February and March cargoes that the refiner has booked. It is not clear if the private refinery will continue to buy Russian oil beyond March. Reliance did not respond to a Reuters email seeking comment. Refiners boost Middle East crude imports Despite Reliance’s return, India’s overall Russian oil imports are expected to stay subdued through February and March, the sources added. Indian refiners shift oil strategy; trim Russian buys and turn to MidEast Reliance had been importing Russian crude under a long‑term agreement with Rosneft for 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) for its 1.4 million bpd Jamnagar refinery complex in Gujarat. The European Union has said from January 21 it will not take fuel produced at refineries that received or processed Russian oil 60 days prior to the bill-of-lading date. Reliance has said it will process the cargoes that arrived after November 20 at its India-focused 660,000 barrels per day plant, allowing it to continue selling fuels to the EU from its 704,000 bpd export-oriented refinery. Refiners in India, which became the top buyer of discounted Russian seaborne crude following the 2022 outbreak of war in Ukraine, are recalibrating their crude import strategies, raising Middle Eastern purchases as they shift away from Russia. “We have faced instances where sanctions were imposed suddenly and we had to cut back,” Srinivas T, chief operating officer, refinery and marketing, at Reliance, said last week. Reliance had ramped up purchases from national oil companies elsewhere ahead of time to avoid spot market disruptions, he said. [...]

Copper bounces back with tight stocks, demand in focus

January 21, 2026 2:15

Copper prices rose on Wednesday, bouncing back from a sharp decline in the previous session, as investors focused on tight inventories outside the U.S., even as questions lingered over demand. Benchmark three-month copper on the London Metal Exchange was up 1% at $12,875 per metric ton in official open-outcry activity, after closing down 1.6% on Tuesday. The metal, which is widely used in the power, construction and manufacturing sectors, hit a record high of $13,407 one week ago. “While the broader base metals complex remains volatile, structural tightness continues to underpin prices,” Neil Welsh, head of metals at Britannia Global Markets, said in a note. The premium of the cash LME copper contract over the three-month forward spiked to more than $100 a ton on Tuesday, indicating strong demand for near-term metal, but had eased to $11.50 a ton on Wednesday. Dan Smith, managing director at Commodity Market Analytics, said markets were “nervous” about the global geopolitical situation after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on European allies opposed to his goal to gain control of Greenland. “I’m a bit dubious about this bounce,” Smith said of copper, adding that his algorithm was now giving him a sell signal. “It suggests any kind of strength will be short-lived.” The recent price rally is also hurting demand in China, the top metals consumer. The Yangshan copper premium, a gauge of Chinese appetite for copper imports, fell to $22 a ton on Wednesday, the lowest price in almost 18 months. “China macro looks pretty strong, but high copper prices tend to weaken demand if you’re not careful,” Smith said. China, meanwhile, exported another 96,000 tons of refined copper in December, down around one-third from November’s bumper shipments but still more than five times higher than a year earlier. Tin was the top gainer, adding 5.6% to $52,200 a ton as Indonesia cracks down on illegal mining, while nickel jumped 2.5% to $18,055. Aluminium rose 0.5% to $3,122.50, zinc gained 0.9% to $3,200 and lead climbed 0.3% to $2,033.50. [...]

Fitch Ratings affirms Pakistan’s long-term debt ratings at B-

January 21, 2026 1:58

Fitch Ratings affirmed Pakistan’s long-term debt ratings at B- and assigned a Recovery Rating of RR4 following the removal of the ratings from Under Criteria Observation (UCO), according to an official release on Wednesday. The rating actions reflect the application of Fitch’s new Sovereign Rating Criteria, effective September 2025, and the inclusion of recovery assumptions into sovereign debt ratings for the first time. Fitch’s credit rating scale for issuers and issues is expressed using the categories ‘AAA’ to ‘BBB’ (investment grade) and ‘BB’ to ‘D’ (speculative grade) with an additional +/- for AA through CCC levels indicating relative differences of probability of default or recovery for issues. ‘B’ ratings indicate that material default risk is present, but a limited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are currently being met; however, capacity for continued payment is vulnerable to deterioration in the business and economic environment. The terms “investment grade” and “speculative grade” are market conventions and do not imply any recommendation or endorsement of a specific security for investment purposes. Investment grade categories indicate relatively low to moderate credit risk, while ratings in the speculative categories signal either a higher level of credit risk or that a default has already occurred. Also read: Fitch upgrades Pakistan’s rating: macroeconomic stabilisation acknowledged Key rating drivers The senior unsecured long-term debt ratings of Pakistan and The Pakistan Global Sukuk Programme Company Limited are equalised with Pakistan’s Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR), reflecting “Fitch’s expectation of average recovery prospects in a default scenario, given Pakistan’s high levels of general government debt and interest payments as a percentage of revenue, and the absence of any other clearly identifiable criteria factors that would cause us to notch the debt ratings up or down from the IDR”. On April 15, 2025, Fitch upgraded Pakistan’s Long-Term Foreign-Currency IDR to B- with a stable outlook, from CCC+. Pakistan has an ESG Relevance Score of 5 for political stability and rights and for the rule of law, institutional and regulatory quality and control of corruption, as is the case for all sovereigns. “These scores reflect the high weight that World Bank Governance Indicators (WBGI) have in our proprietary Sovereign Rating Model. Pakistan has a WBGI ranking at the 22nd percentile,” Fitch said. Rating sensitivities Factors that could, individually or collectively, lead to negative rating action/downgrade include failure to keep government debt and debt-servicing metrics on a firm downward path, and renewed deterioration in external liquidity conditions, for example from delays in International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme reviews or insufficiently tight economic policy settings. Meanwhile, factors that could, individually or collectively, lead to positive rating action/upgrade include significant declines in government debt and debt-servicing burdens, for example due to the implementation of fiscal consolidation plans in line with IMF programme commitments, leading to structural improvements in tax revenue generation. Further significant easing of external financing risks, including evidence of greater ability to source external funding and a sustained recovery in foreign-currency reserves beyond Fitch’s forecasts could also lead to a positive rating action. [...]

Most Gulf markets gain ahead of earnings

January 21, 2026 1:38

Most stock markets in the Gulf ended higher on Wednesday, as investors turned their attention to upcoming earnings despite lingering global trade and geopolitical concerns. Saudi Arabia’s benchmark index gained 0.3%, with petrochemical maker Saudi Basic Industries rising 2.5%. Oil prices rose as investors assessed a temporary shutdown at two large fields in Kazakhstan, expectations of a build in U.S. crude inventories and fresh concerns tied to U.S. tariff threats in its bid to gain control of Greenland. Dubai’s main share index rose 0.4%, closing at its highest since April 2006, helped by a 1.5% rise in top lender Emirates NBD. India’s competition regulator said on Tuesday it had cleared ENBD’s acquisition of a stake in RBL Bank . In Abu Dhabi, the index edged 0.1% higher. Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund Mubadala is targeting opportunities in artificial intelligence and robotics, viewing the sectors as a major source of industrial growth and a guide for future investments, its group CEO said on Tuesday. The Qatari index gave up early gains to finish flat. Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani said on Tuesday Qatar intends to support local firms in competing internationally, indicating fresh measures in the country’s drive to diversify its economy beyond energy. Outside the Gulf, Egypt’s blue-chip index gained 0.3%, hitting a record high. Analysts have raised their estimates for Egypt’s economic growth to 4.9% this fiscal year as reforms taken under an International Monetary Fund programme two years ago bear fruit faster than anticipated, a Reuters poll showed on Tuesday. Saudi Arabia rose 0.3% to 10,948Abu Dhabi was up 0.1% to 10,206Dubai added 0.4% to 6,397Qatar was flat at 11,217Egypt gained 0.3% to 46,049Bahrain lost 0.1% to 2,052Oman dropped 0.9% to 6,187Kuwait closed flat at 9,437 [...]

India’s growth momentum to sustain as demand recovers, RBI report says

January 21, 2026 1:28

MUMBAI: High-frequency indicators point to sustained growth momentum, according to the Reserve Bank of India’s latest State of the Economy report released on Wednesday. High-frequency indicators are data collected frequently, such as goods and services tax (GST) receipts and e-way bills, among others, that point to economic activity. The central bank noted that overall demand conditions remain strong, driven by a revival in rural demand and a gradual recovery in urban demand. A strong rebound in the manufacturing sector and continued buoyancy in services are expected to boost growth in gross value added. Retail automobile sales showed broad-based growth across categories due to the cuts in GST, further bolstering rural demand. Indian lenders to seek RBI approval for longer bulk deposits, sources say “Even amidst these global uncertainties, the current state of the economy provides ground for optimism going forward,” the report stated. The GDP growth estimates for 2025-26 indicate that India will remain the fastest-growing major economy in the world, it said. RBI has projected GDP growth at 7.3% for fiscal year 2026 ending March 31, while for the next fiscal year, growth is expected at 6.7% and 6.8% for the first and second quarters, respectively. Economic activity continued to register a strong growth in December. E-way bill generation recorded healthy expansion, supported by GST rate rationalisation, alongside stock clearance and firms’ efforts to meet year-end sales targets. Growth in GST revenue collections was primarily driven by higher import-related GST receipts, the bulletin added. The International Monetary Fund on Monday revised its growth forecast for India upwards by 0.7 percentage points to 7.3%, citing strong momentum, but said it is likely to slow to 6.4% in the following two fiscal years as cyclical factors fade. India has also intensified efforts to diversify and reinforce its exports with the aim of mitigating external sector risks amplified by the threat of further tariffs from the U.S., said the report. [...]

Finance minister, Visa president discuss innovation in payments sector

January 21, 2026 1:22

Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb met Visa Group President Oliver Jenkyn in Davos on Wednesday to discuss innovation in digital payments and Pakistan’s transition toward a modern, digitally enabled economy, the Finance Division said in a statement. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, where both sides reviewed Pakistan’s evolving economic landscape and its engagement with global payment networks. Jenkyn reaffirmed Visa’s long-term commitment to Pakistan, expressing strong interest in supporting the country’s next phase of growth through secure payment solutions, innovation and knowledge transfer. READ MORE: Finance minister discusses investment, economic outlook with Saudi counterpart at WEF He highlighted the global shift toward digital payments and stressed the importance of policy clarity, openness and an enabling environment for scaling innovation. Aurangzeb welcomed Visa’s continued engagement and said policy consistency and a clear reform roadmap were central to Pakistan’s economic strategy. He noted that the government was working to strengthen the digital ecosystem, including connectivity, financial infrastructure and regulatory frameworks, to encourage private sector participation. The finance minister said collaboration between global payment networks and local solutions would play a key role in accelerating financial inclusion and digital adoption across the country. READ MORE: WEF sidelines: Aurangzeb discusses ties with UAE minister He also highlighted ongoing efforts to promote transparency, documentation of the economy and digitisation across sectors, adding that these reforms were creating new opportunities for trusted global partners. Aurangzeb said the establishment of dedicated digital and regulatory institutions reflected the government’s commitment to positioning Pakistan as a “Digital Nation.” Jenkyn underscored the value of global platforms such as Visa in providing security standards, resilience and scalable solutions. He stressed the need for balanced cooperation between governments, regulators and the private sector, and said Visa was ready to share global best practices as financial technologies evolve. Both sides agreed to remain closely engaged as digital finance continues to evolve globally and locally, expressing confidence that sustained collaboration would lead to practical, market-ready solutions in the coming years. [...]

DAVOS 2026: UK’s Menzies Aviation eyes expansion in Pakistan amid privatisation push

January 21, 2026 12:32

Global aviation services provider Menzies Aviation has expressed a strong interest in expanding its footprint in Pakistan. The development came during Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, and Hassan El Houry, Chairperson of Menzies Aviation, in Davos on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, to discuss opportunities for enhancing cooperation in the aviation sector. The meeting focused on improving airport services, operational efficiency, and exploring investment opportunities aligned with Pakistan’s reform and privatisation agenda. Aurangzeb briefed El Houry on the government’s privatisation plans, including progress related to Pakistan International Airlines, and outlined plans to outsource operations at major airports, including Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore. He noted that Pakistan’s economy was moving in a positive direction, creating a conducive environment for private sector investment and international partnerships. World Economic Forum sidelines: Aurangzeb discusses ties with UAE minister Hassan El Houry briefed the finance minister on Menzies Aviation’s global operations and experience in delivering aviation services worldwide. He identified Pakistan as a promising destination for aviation-related business and investment, highlighted Sialkot’s strategic importance in aviation and logistics, and expressed Menzies Aviation’s interest in continuing and expanding its engagement with Pakistan. Both sides also discussed ways to enhance airport service quality and improve the overall passenger experience. The UK-based Menzies Aviation is a leading global aviation services company providing essential services to airlines at over 350 airports in over 60 countries. The meetings concluded on a positive note, with the finance minister and his interlocutors reaffirming their shared commitment to strengthening cooperation, deepening partnerships, and advancing mutually beneficial economic and investment initiatives in support of Pakistan’s sustainable growth and development. Aurangzeb held a series of important meetings in Davos on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, focusing on advancing Pakistan’s economic reform agenda, strengthening international partnerships, and promoting investment-led growth. PM arrives in Davos The finance minister met with Masato Kanda, President of the Asian Development Bank, to review Pakistan’s ongoing economic reforms and discuss ways to further deepen the long-standing partnership between Pakistan and ADB. During the meeting, the ADB President noted that Pakistan was entering a significant phase of economic transformation, with renewed momentum in reforms and growing confidence in the market. “He highlighted ADB’s strong and expanding engagement in Pakistan and expressed optimism about the country’s economic direction, underscoring ADB’s commitment to supporting Pakistan through a close and forward-looking partnership,” read the statement. Aurangzeb thanked the ADB President for his continued support and guidance, noting that Pakistan’s relationship with ADB had entered a new and more strategic phase. The finance minister briefed the ADB President on progress in structural reforms, particularly the government’s renewed focus on privatisation and private sector participation. He noted that recent initiatives had generated strong market interest and helped establish important benchmarks, with additional projects in the pipeline across multiple sectors. Aurangzeb emphasised the importance of continued collaboration with development partners, including ADB, to support these reforms and unlock Pakistan’s growth potential. Discussions also covered efforts to modernise Pakistan’s energy sector and advance sustainable and clean energy solutions. The finance minister highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at improving efficiency, strengthening systems, and supporting long-term economic sustainability. Both sides agreed to maintain close coordination to identify practical solutions that support inclusive and durable growth. [...]

Industrial stocks lead Sri Lankan shares higher; December inflation rises

January 21, 2026 12:25

Sri Lankan shares closed higher on Wednesday, lifted by gains in industrial stocks. The CSE All-Share index rose nearly 0.8% to 23,806.32. On Tuesday, the index closed marginally lower. Sri Lanka’s consumer prices were up 2.9% year-on-year in December, after rising 2.4% in November, data published by the country’s statistics department after market close showed. Colombo Dockyard Plc and Asphalts (Ceylon) Plc were the biggest boost to the CSE All-Share index, rising 27.5% and 25%, respectively. Trading volume rose to 180.3 million shares from 135.5 million in the previous session. The equity market’s turnover rose to 9.82 billion Sri Lankan rupees ($31.7 million), compared with 5.17 billion rupees in the previous session, according to exchange data. Foreign investors were net sellers of shares worth 186.5 million rupees, while domestic investors were net buyers of shares worth 9.68 billion rupees, data showed. [...]

Oil prices dip on supply build expectations, Greenland tension

January 21, 2026 11:56

India fertiliser imports set for record $18 billion this fiscal year

January 21, 2026 11:53

MUMBAI: India’s fertiliser imports for the current fiscal year are expected to surge 76% from a year earlier to a record $18 billion, government and industry officials said on Wednesday as consumption jumped after heavy rains prompted farmers to expand their crop areas. “There has been a sharp rise in urea and DAP (Diammonium Phosphate) imports this year, which is pushing up the overall fertiliser import bill,” said a government official, who declined to be named because they were not authorised to speak publicly. In the first nine months of the fiscal year that ends in March, India’s fertiliser imports surged 71% from a year earlier to $13.98 billion. In the March quarter, a large volume of urea and other fertiliser shipments is expected to land, which will cost at least another $4 billion, the official said. India spent $10.23 billion on fertiliser imports in the last fiscal year after hitting an all-time high of $17.21 billion in 2022-2023 when global prices surged following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. India’s Dec quarter cotton imports soar amid duty-free import push Fertiliser consumption is expected to rise by at least 5% this year from a year earlier, as ample monsoon rainfall encouraged farmers to increase planting, said P.S. Gahlaut, managing director of Indian Potash, a leading importer. India recorded 8% above-average rainfall during the June–to-September southwest monsoon, followed by precipitation that was 49% higher than normal in October, providing ample soil moisture for the sowing of winter crops like wheat, rapeseed and chickpeas. Indian farmers have so far planted winter-grown crops on 65.23 million hectares since sowing began on October 1, up 3.3% from a year earlier, data from the agricultural ministry showed. “Urea consumption has gone up this year because of good back-to-back monsoon rains and strong rice acreage,” said S. Sankarasubramanian, chairman of the Fertiliser Association of India, an industry body representing fertiliser producers. “Maize production has also pushed up urea consumption.” Urea imports are expected to rise as much as 61% from a year earlier to 9 million metric tons, while DAP imports could jump 52% to 7 million tons, Sankarasubramanian said. India imports urea and DAP mainly from Oman, Russia, China, Saudi Arabia and Morocco. [...]

Spain’s Albares says India-EU on cusp of trade deal, plan stronger defence ties

January 21, 2026 11:48

NEW DELHI: A historic India-EU trade deal will likely be concluded in the next few days, Spain’s Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said on a visit to New Delhi on Wednesday, framing the agreement as a measure of security against economic coercion. The deal, coming on the heels of an agreement signed on Monday between the European Union and Mercosur, would create the world’s largest free-trade zone, a powerful signal as U.S. President Donald Trump imposes steep tariffs on India and threatens higher tariffs on Europe for its refusal to support his plans to take Greenland against its will. “Everything is going forward perfectly. We do not expect any obstacle,” Albares said after bilateral meetings with India’s Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and President Droupadi Murmu in Delhi. “We need to make clear to the whole world that we believe in free trade and have the instruments of dissuasion to protect ourselves from any economic coercion,” Albares said. EU nears historic trade deal with India, von der Leyen says European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is expected to arrive in India on Sunday evening to finalise the sticking points - primarily over carbon levies and import duties for key sectors such as autos and steel - ahead of an EU-India summit on January 27. Von der Leyen has said the deal would create a market of 2 billion people, accounting for nearly a quarter of global GDP. Trade in goods between the EU and India has increased by almost 90% in the past decade, according to EU data, valued at 120 billion euros ($140.47 billion) in 2024. Closer defence ties Addressing the Spanish delegation on Wednesday, India’s Foreign Minister Jaishankar said he saw “considerable potential” for more economic partnerships between the two countries, singling out a joint commitment to building resilient manufacturing capabilities in defence. Trade deal with EU close, says India trade secretary A joint venture between Airbus and Indian conglomerate Tata Group to build C-295 aircraft in India was an example of the type of trade relationship that should be replicated, Albares added. The first made-in-India Airbus aircraft, produced at a joint facility with Indian conglomerate Tata Group in the western state of Gujarat, is expected to roll off production lines before September 2026, Jaishankar said, slightly ahead of schedule. [...]

NLC Dry Port Sost ensures uninterrupted trade for 2nd consecutive year

January 21, 2026 11:47

As a shining example of national service and professional excellence, the National Logistics Corporation (NLC) is ensuring all-weather trade operations through the Khunjerab Pass for the 2nd consecutive year reaffirming its commitment to uninterrupted trade with China and Central Asia. Despite extreme weather conditions and intermittent spells of snowfall, NLC Dry Port Sost has remained fully functional ensuring continuous flow of trade between Pakistan China and the Central Asian region. The achievement demonstrates NLC’s operational resilience in one of the world’s most challenging terrains. For the smooth flow of trade, NLC has made significant investments in modern infrastructure including installation of modern scanners, weighbridge, expanded warehousing and other facilities.These facilities have translated into a marked increase in trade volumes even during peak winter months. In December alone, Dry Port Sost handled 12,000 MT of import and export cargo. Meanwhile, during the first two weeks of January 2026, around 11,000 MT of import / export cargo was handled in addition to processing of 132 empty containers from China. Further strengthening regional trade integration, NLC in collaboration with Chinese freight operators has set up joint logistics company aimed at facilitating forward transit trade with China and Central Asian states. This initiative has streamlined cross-border logistics and improved supply chain efficiency across the region. Beyond trade facilitation, NLC Dry Port Sost has emerged as a sustainable source of employment for the people of Gilgit-Baltistan contributing to local livelihoods and stimulating socio-economic development. The port’s uninterrupted operations have not only strengthened Pakistan-China trade ties but have also triggered a new phase of economic activities in the region. [...]

No matter who buys Warner Bros, JPMorgan and Allen & Co win with $180 million in M&A fees

January 21, 2026 11:39

NEW YORK: Some clear winners are emerging in the bidding war between Netflix and Paramount Skydance for Warner Bros Discovery: JPMorgan and Allen & Company. The two investment banks stand to make $90 million apiece for their work on the deal as advisers to Warner Bros, according to a securities filing released on Tuesday. JPMorgan has already earned significantly more on top of that for its role financing a $17.5 billion bridge loan that allowed Warner Bros Discovery to cleave off its cable news networks and sports programming, including CNN, from its movie and television division, two people familiar with the deal said. They asked not to be named to discuss internal matters. JPMorgan declined to comment. Allen & Company did not return a request for comment. The battle over Warner Bros escalated this week with a revised $83 billion offer from Netflix for its studio and streaming businesses. Netflix defends Warner Bros bid as shares drop on tepid results All eyes now turn to Paramount, whose $108 billion tender offer for the entire company closes on Wednesday. It is widely expected to at least extend its existing offer, while investors hope it will counter with even more money. Warner Bros, in the meantime, is spending hundreds of millions of dollars in fees to separate its two lines of business and sell the company. Bridge loan fees JPMorgan has already earned $189 million in financing and other fees ahead of the sale, Warner Bros said. Those fees were for its work on a complex bond transaction and bridge loan that split the company in two prior to the sale, according to two people familiar with the plan. Paramount makes $108.4 billion hostile bid for Warner Bros Discovery That’s on top of $90 million in M&A fees JPMorgan and Allen & Company each will make, no matter which rival production house nabs the owner of HBO Max and the “Harry Potter” franchise. Both Netflix and Paramount Skydance want Warner Bros for its film and television studios, extensive content library and major franchises, which also include “Game of Thrones” and DC Comics superheroes Batman and Superman. It is a marquee asset that does not come on the market often, analysts and investors say. Breakdown of fees JPMorgan, which LSEG ranked No. 2 on M&A globally last year with $3.1 billion in total fees, stands to make $282 million from Warner Bros, all told, the securities filing shows. Larry Ellison gives $40.4 billion guarantee for Paramount’s Warner Bros bid More than half of that, $189 million, comes from financing and other fees from the bridge loan. The bank was paid $15 million for delivering fairness opinions on the original Netflix offer in December and its revised offer this week. It stands to make another $30 million in M&A fees by December 1. It will receive another $45 million once the deal closes. Netflix paid the bank an additional $3 million in fees over the past two years. JPMorgan worked with Warner Bros for more than two years analyzing the best M&A options for the studio, coming up with a risky plan to split it in two, one of the people said. To do so, Warner Bros bought back about half of its bonds at a discount, financing the purchase with a $17.5 billion bridge loan from JPMorgan, they said. One of the people said it’s the largest non-investment-grade bridge loan ever made on Wall Street. Netflix to buy Warner Bros Discovery’s studios, streaming unit for $72 billion Bondholders were given a shortened window of five days to take the offer, which reduced Warner Bros’ gross debt by $2.2 billion, the company has said. Allen & Company also stands to make at least $90 million on the deal. One of the board directors at Warner Bros, Paul Gould, is a managing director at Allen & Company, according to Warner Bros. At least $6 million of that has been paid to Allen & Company over the previous two years. Allen & Company earned $20 million for its fairness opinions on the Netflix offers. It is on track to make $30 million in M&A fees by December 1. The boutique investment bank will get another $40 million once the deal closes. Netflix, Warner Bros bonds among $100 million purchased by Trump Warner Bros said Gould, who was originally on the board of Discovery Holding Co before it merged with Discovery, does not sit on the transaction advisory team for the merger and will not personally receive any fees tied to it. These fees do not reflect Warner Bros’ total expenses on the deal. It has not disclosed how much it is paying Evercore or its legal advisers, including Debevoise and Plimpton, Kirkland and Ellis, and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen and Katz. The $180 million is likely a fraction of what is being spent in the bidding war, since it also does not include fees paid by Netflix and Paramount to their financial and legal advisers. [...]

Industrial stocks lead Sri Lankan shares higher; December inflation rises

January 21, 2026 12:25

India fertiliser imports set for record $18 billion this fiscal year

January 21, 2026 11:53

Spain’s Albares says India-EU on cusp of trade deal, plan stronger defence ties

January 21, 2026 11:48

NLC Dry Port Sost ensures uninterrupted trade for 2nd consecutive year

January 21, 2026 11:47

No matter who buys Warner Bros, JPMorgan and Allen & Co win with $180 million in M&A fees

January 21, 2026 11:39

Indian shares extend losses after Tuesday’s selloff; rupee slumps to record low

January 21, 2026 11:27

Netflix defends Warner Bros bid as shares drop on tepid results

January 21, 2026 11:25

“YouTube is not just user-generated content and cat videos anymore,” Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos said on Tuesday. Making a compelling case for why the streaming giant wanted Warner Bros Discovery’s studio and streaming assets, Sarandos noted how tech giants such as Alphabet’s YouTube had changed what television viewing meant and forced Netflix to change tack to keep up. “TV is not what we grew up on … Oscars and the NFL are on YouTube. Networks are simulcasting the Super Bowl on linear TV and streaming. Amazon owns MGM. Apple is competing for Emmys and Oscars, and Instagram is coming next,” he said. “They are TV. So we all compete with them in every dimension, for talent, for ad dollars, for subscription dollars, and for all forms of content.” Sarandos and his co-CEO Greg Peters spent a large portion of the post-earnings call talking effusively about how strong and complementary Warner Bros’ services were, a sharp change from the long-held company credo: build, don’t buy. Netflix submits amended all-cash offer for Warner Bros, wins board support Having offered $82.7 billion in cash to buy Warner Bros’ film and television studios, its extensive content library and major entertainment franchises - including “Game of Thrones” and “Harry Potter” - Netflix is embroiled in a bidding war with Paramount Skydance. Netflix’s co-CEOs had not thought they would make an offer for the assets when they first started the due diligence process on Warner Bros, they said. “When we got into the hood, there were several things we saw that were just really exciting,” Peters said. “We have often in our Netflix history debated building a theatrical business, but we were busy investing in other areas, and it never became our priority. But now with Warner Bros, they bring a mature, well-run theatrical business with amazing films, and we’re super excited about that addition,” he said, in a reversal of Netflix’s former position that theaters were an outdated model with audiences preferring stay-at-home streaming. “And then you get to the streaming side of things, HBO. It is an amazing brand. It says prestige TV is better than almost anything. Customers know it. They love it. They know what it means,” Peters said, adding that Warner’s television studio was also a healthy business and complemented Netflix’s own, expanding its production capability. Investors are not convinced With the expensive deal hanging over its head, Netflix delivered a tepid revenue beat for what is usually one of its strongest quarters, and forecast equally dull prospects for the new year. The company’s stock fell nearly 6% premarket on Wednesday. Netflix, Warner Bros bonds among $100 million purchased by Trump While a strong content line-up, including the final season of hit sci-fi series “Stranger Things,” helped revenue growth, high costs associated with the Warner Bros acquisition have made people apprehensive about the long-term payoff, analysts said. Netflix said previously that it had obtained commitments for a $59 billion bridge loan to support the Warner Bros’ deal. On Tuesday, it increased the bridge loan commitment by $8.2 billion to support its all-cash $27.75 per share offer. Netflix also told investors it would pause share buybacks to help fund the Warner Bros’ deal, and that it has already incurred $60 million in costs related to securing financing. The deal is expected to face considerable scrutiny from lawmakers and competition regulators as high-profile acquisitions threaten to monopolize the market and leave consumers with fewer choices. Netflix prepares all-cash offer for Warner Bros, source says But Sarandos on Tuesday moved to ease those concerns by reiterating the deal would be “pro-consumer” and “pro-worker”, and that the acquired businesses would require new teams and would allow more opportunities for creatives. The deal “allows us to gain access to 100 years of Warner Bros deep content and IP for development and distribution in more effective ways that will benefit consumers and the industry as a whole,” he said. [...]

Sri Lanka’s consumer prices rise 2.9% on-year in December

January 21, 2026 11:18

Sri Lanka’s consumer prices were up 2.9% year-on-year in December, after rising 2.4% in November, the statistics department said on Wednesday. The National Consumer Price Index captures broad retail price inflation and is released with a lag of about three weeks each month. The annual inflation rate in the food category rose to 4.4% last month, from 3.6% in November. In the non-food category, consumer prices were up 1.6% in December, from 1.5% in November. The island nation, which has been emerging from the worst economic crisis in decades that peaked in 2022, is struggling from the impact of a severe cyclone that hit in late November. Sri Lankan economy grew 5.4% in third quarter of 2025 Cyclone Ditwah killed 646 people and, at its peak, affected nearly 10% of the 22 million population. Torrential rain and floods caused $4.1 billion in damage to crops and infrastructure, according to World Bank estimates. But the impact on food inflation was expected to be transitory, said Shehan Cooray, head of research at HNB Stockbrokers. “We expect inflation to reach about 4% by the middle to 2026,” he added. The Central Bank of Sri Lanka has kept its inflation target at 5% and will be announcing its first policy decision for 2026 next Thursday. [...]

Indian rupee slides to record low on global market woes; lack of RBI presence worsens fall

January 21, 2026 11:16

Next buys British footwear brand Russell & Bromley

January 21, 2026 11:10

LONDON: Fashion retailer Next said on Wednesday it has purchased British footwear brand Russell & Bromley through an insolvency process, paying 2.5 million pounds ($3.4 million). Next said it was also paying 1.3 million pounds for some of Russell & Bromley’s stock. The 147-year old firm sells men’s and women’s footwear, as well as bags and accessories. It trades from 36 stores and nine concessions across the UK and Ireland, employing about 440 people. Next said it purchased the brand, intellectual property and three Russell & Bromley stores - on Oxford Street and King’s Road in London and at the Bluewater Shopping Centre. The other 33 stores and nine concessions are not included as part of the transaction. Administrator Interpath said these stores would remain open and continue to trade while the administrators continue to assess options for them. [...]

Palm rises more than 1% to seven-week high on festive demand

January 21, 2026 11:04

India’s SBI MF to take at least 10% of Adani Group’s biggest Indian rupee bond issue, bankers say

January 21, 2026 11:01

MUMBAI: State Bank of India’s mutual fund unit has committed to pick up at least 10% of Adani Power’s nearly $820 million rupee-denominated bond issue, likely to be launched later this week, three merchant bankers said on Wednesday. The mutual fund, India’s biggest in terms of assets under management, is acting as one of the anchor investors for the issue, with a commitment of 7.50 billion rupees, the bankers said, requesting anonymity as they are not authorised to speak to the media. The planned 75 billion Indian rupee issue would be the group’s largest-ever Indian rupee bond sale. SBI Mutual Fund and Adani Power did not respond to email queries. Adani Power is looking to raise 28.60 billion rupees through a two-year option and 26.90 billion rupees via a three-year note. SBI MF will buy 4.50 billion rupees and three billion rupees of these papers as the anchor investor, the bankers said. India’s Adani Group flagship firm to launch public bond issue next week, bankers say The Adani unit will pay a coupon of 8.00% and 8.20% on the two- and three-year bonds, and 8.30% and 8.40% on four- and five-year papers. The remaining 6.75 billion rupees and 12.75 billion rupees will be raised through four- and five-year papers, respectively, the bankers said. Trust Investment Advisors, ICICI Bank and Axis Bank are the arrangers for the issue. The lenders have will also back the issue by providing commitments worth 3.31 billion rupees and 3 billion rupees, respectively, the bankers said. The banks did not reply to an email seeking comment. The bonds are rated ‘AA’ by Crisil and India Ratings, with the coupons set to step up by 25 basis points for every notch rating downgrade. Earlier this financial year, another group company, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone, raised 50 billion rupees by placing 15-year bonds directly with Life Insurance Corporation of India. [...]

Indian refiners shift oil strategy; trim Russian buys and turn to MidEast

January 21, 2026 10:57

NEW DELHI/SINGAPORE: Indian refiners are redrawing crude import strategies to shift away from top supplier Russia and boost imports from the Middle East, a move that could help New Delhi clinch a trade deal with the United States to lower tariffs. India became the top buyer of discounted Russian seaborne crude after the 2022 outbreak of war in Ukraine, but the trade drew backlash from Western nations targeting Russia’s energy sector with sanctions, saying oil revenues help it fund the war. The shift away from Russia comes as Middle East producers, armed with higher output quotas from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, are keeping global markets well-supplied, softening the impact on prices. India refiners scale back Russian buys Indian refiners have begun scaling back Russian oil purchases following discussions at a government meeting to help accelerate a U.S.-India trade deal, three refining sources said. India’s MRPL scouts for Venezuelan oil as it halts Russian imports The oil ministry’s Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell is collecting weekly data on refiners’ purchases of Russia and U.S. crude, sources told Reuters this month. In the latest change, state refiner Bharat Petroleum Corp awarded one-year tenders to buy Iraqi Basrah and Omani crude to trader Trafigura and is in the market to buy Murban oil from the United Arab Emirates under a separate tender, said the sources, who sought anonymity. From April, Trafigura will supply four cargoes of Oman crude every quarter at 75 cents a barrel below Dubai quotes and one parcel of Basrah Medium at a discount of 40 cents a barrel to the grade’s official selling price, said two traders. BPCL and India’s oil ministry did not respond to Reuters requests for comments. Doubling of import tariffs a punishment for Russia buys The United States, already seeking to narrow its trade deficit with India, doubled import tariffs on Indian goods to 50% last year to punish it for heavy purchases of Russian oil. State-run Hindustan Petroleum, Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals and private refiners HPCL-Mittal Energy Ltd have already stopped buying Russian oil. India’s Russian oil imports fell to their lowest in two years in December, while OPEC’s share of imports hit an 11-month high, trade data showed. Apart from the Middle East, Indian refiners have also increased purchases from regions such as Africa and South America. Indian refiners have also boosted purchases of U.S. oil to partly replace Russian oil and narrow the trade deficit with Washington, while also scouting for Venezuelan oil. [...]

Rupee records gain against US dollar

January 21, 2026 10:40

Banks’ appeals rejected: CCP’s Rs205mn ESA penalties upheld

January 21, 2026 9:56

The Competition Appellate Tribunal (CAT) on Wednesday dismissed ten long-pending appeals filed by several banks and the Pakistan Banks Association (PBA), upholding the Competition Commission of Pakistan’s (CCP) order imposing collective penalties of approximately PKR 205 million for cartel-like conduct. According to a statement issued by the CCP, the appeals challenged the CCP’s April 2008 order as well CCP’s Appellate Bench’s Order dated 10-06-2009, which found the PBA and seven major banks guilty of collusive practices in introducing an Enhanced Savings Account (ESA). The Commission had concluded that the coordinated move distorted competition and created unfair conditions for small bank depositors, in violation of Section 4 of the Competition Ordinance, 2007. Moreover, the CCP imposed a penalty of Rs30 million on the PBA and Rs25 million each on Habib Bank Limited, Allied Bank Limited, MCB Bank Limited, United Bank Limited, Saudi Pak Bank Limited, Atlas Bank Limited, and National Bank Limited. CAT said that after hearing extensive arguments, the tribunal dismissed all appeals through a short order, thereby affirming the penalties. Detailed reasons are expected to be issued later. “The ruling marks a significant milestone for the CCP, as the ESA case was the Commission’s first major enforcement action following its inception. “The outcome reflects the CCP’s sustained and effective follow-up of long-pending litigation amid intensified legal reforms,” the CCP said. Commenting on the development, Dr Kabir Ahmed Sidhu, Chairman of CCP, said the verdict reinforces the principle that justice may be delayed but cannot be avoided, adding that no entity can indefinitely escape accountability for anti-competitive conduct. [...]

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... [...]

South Korea's ex-PM Han Duck-soo jailed for 23 years over martial law crises

January 21, 2026 9:25

South Korea's ex-PM Han Duck-soo jailed for 23 years over martial law crisesA South Korean court on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, sentenced former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to 23 years in jail for charges including engaging in a key action of insurrection concerning ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol's... [...]

Global markets on edge over Greenland dispute: Is US economic leadership at risk?

January 21, 2026 9:10

Global markets on edge over Greenland dispute: Is US economic leadership at risk? The US and EU tensions over Greenland have reached a critical point where the global markets have started witnessing the massive monetary and fiscal shockwaves. In the international order grappling with shifting... [...]

UK inflation unexpectedly rises to 3.4% in December, the first increase in five months

January 21, 2026 8:31

UK inflation unexpectedly rises to 3.4% in December, the first increase in five monthsAccording to the recent figures released by the Office for National Statistics , inflation in the UK has reportedly increased for the first time in five months, reaching 3.4% in December. The Office for National... [...]

Trump vows 'no going back' on Greenland ahead of Davos visit

January 21, 2026 7:30

Trump vows ‘no going back’ on Greenland ahead of Davos visitU.S. President Donald Trump has strengthened his campaign to acquire Greenland, stating that there is “no way of going back” on his ambitions as he prepares for a high stakes address at the World Economic Forum in... [...]

Japan's ex-PM Shinzo Abe's killer is set to be sentenced: How much punishment could he face?

January 21, 2026 5:33

Japan’s ex-PM Shinzo Abe’s killer is set to be sentenced: How much punishment could he face?Japan's Nara District Court is set to rule on the trial on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, for former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's assassin, bringing to an end a high-profile case that exposed... [...]

Therapist killed in office as former client launches knife attack

January 20, 2026 6:47

Therapist killed in office as former client launches knife attackA licensed mental health counsellor was killed in a stabbing at her office after a former client turned violent, in a case that has shocked the local community.Rebecca White was attacked on January 19 at a counselling centre in the... [...]

North Carolina woman accused of serving victims with poisoned drinks

January 20, 2026 3:54

A woman has been arrested in the US after police linked her to two murders nearly two decades apart by allegedly serving poisoned drinks.The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office said Gudrun Casper-Leinenkugel now faces two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder... [...]

'Greenland will stay Greenland', former Trump adviser hints at new twist

January 20, 2026 2:52

'Greenland will stay Greenland', former Trump adviser hints at new twist'Greenland will stay Greenland.'A new twist about the world's most controversial debate reveals Donald Trump will not be able to force Greenland to change ownership, according to a former top adviser to the US president.As... [...]

Stranger knocks, then opens fire on Indiana judge and wife

January 20, 2026 1:43

Stranger knocks, then opens fire on Indiana judge and wifeAn Indiana judge and his wife were shot in broad daylight attack after a stranger knocked on the door of their home, authorities have said.Judge Steven Meyer was hit in the arm and his wife, Kimberly, was shot in the hip when the suspect... [...]

Japan unveils anti-ship missile with 'barrel-roll' evasion to outsmart defenses

January 20, 2026 1:13

Japan unveils anti-ship missile with ‘barrel-roll’ evasion to outsmart defensesJapan has unveiled its new anti-ship missile equipped with “barrel-roll” evasion to dodge enemy defenses in the midst of regional tensions and treacherous geopolitical landscape. The Japanese... [...]

Missouri couple 'locked sons in chicken pen, shot them' in shocking abuse case

January 20, 2026 12:17

Missouri couple ‘locked sons in chicken pen, shot them’ in shocking abuse caseA Missouri woman and her boyfriend have been accused of subjecting her children to years of shocking abuse, including allegedly locking two teenage boys inside a chicken pen and shooting at them with BB... [...]

Chinese 'mega embassy' wins UK approval in London ahead of Starmer's China visit

January 20, 2026 12:04

Chinese ‘mega embassy’ wins UK approval in London ahead of Starmer’s China visit The UK government has given greenlight to controversial Chinese mega embassy construction in east London , despite the allies’ objections and rising security concerns. Local government... [...]

From Chagos Islands to Greenland Trump flags national security risks: Here's why

January 20, 2026 10:22

From Chagos Islands to Greenland Trump flags national security risks: Here’s why Donald Trump has criticized the UK government for its “stupidity” and “weakness” over its plan to transfer the ownership of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. The deal also includes... [...]

Church under investigation after anti-ICE protest interrupts worship

January 20, 2026 7:35

The US Department of Justice is investigating an incident in which protesters disrupted a church service in St. Paul, Minnesota, at a church where one of the pastors is an Immigration and Customs Enforcement official.According to ABC News, anti-ICE protesters entered Cities Church on Sunday during... [...]

'I don't care': Trump shrugs off Nobel Prize talk as Greenland tensions escalate

January 20, 2026 7:17

Trump has intensified his push to gain control over GreenlandThe fate of Greenland, a strategically important Arctic territory is at the crossroads, as the US President Donald Trump has doubled down his rhetoric to annex the Danish autonomous territory for security purposes. The President has... [...]

محسن نقوی سے مفتی منیب الرحمٰن کی سربراہی میں وفد کی ملاقات

January 21, 2026 10:01

وزیر داخلہ محسن نقوی اور وزیر مملکت طلال چوہدری سے مفتی منیب الرحمٰن کی سربراہی میں وفد کی ملاقات کی۔محسن نقوی نے ملک میں قیام... [...]

کراچی، مندر سے مورتیاں، چاندی اور نقدی چرانے والا ملزم گرفتار

January 21, 2026 10:01

فوٹو: بشکریہ سوشل میڈیاکراچی میں مندر سے مورتیاں، چاندی اور نقد رقم چرانے والے ملزم کو صدر سے گرفتار کر کے لوٹا ہوا سامان برآمد... [...]

گل پلازا سانحہ: سندھ بلڈنگ کنٹرول اتھارٹی نے کمشنر کراچی کو 7 فائلیں پیش کردیں

January 21, 2026 10:01

کراچی کے گل پلازا سانحہ کی تحقیقات جاری ہے، سندھ بلڈنگ کنٹرول اتھارٹی نے تحقیقاتی کمیٹی کے سربراہ کمشنر کراچی کو 7 فائلیں جمع کروا... [...]

گل پلازا واقعے کی تفتیش کافی پیچیدہ ہوگئی ہے، کمشنر کراچی

January 21, 2026 10:01

فوٹو: اسکرین گریبکمشنر کراچی حسن نقوی نے کہا ہے کہ گل پلازا واقعے کی تفتیش کافی پیچیدہ ہوگئی ہے، اس میں مختلف اینگلز ہیں۔گل پلازہ کا... [...]

گل پلازا سانحے کی تحقیقات کا دائرہ وسیع کردیا گیا

January 21, 2026 10:01

فائل فوٹوگل پلازا سانحے کی تحقیقات کا دائرہ وسیع کردیا گیا ہے۔ذرائع کا کہنا ہے کہ لاشوں کے سیمپلز کا کیمیکل ایگزامینیشن کرانے کا... [...]

پاکستان پہلی مرتبہ چینی کرنسی میں’پانڈا بانڈ‘جاری کرنے کی تیاری کر رہا ہے: محمد اورنگزیب

January 21, 2026 9:01

فائل فوٹووزیرِ خزانہ محمد اورنگزیب نے کہا ہے کہ پاکستان پہلی مرتبہ چینی کرنسی میں’پانڈا بانڈ‘جاری کرنے کی تیاری کر رہا ہے، اقدام... [...]

قومی اسمبلی نے الیکشن ایکٹ ترمیمی بل منظور کرلیا، بیرسٹر گوہر کی مخالفت

January 21, 2026 9:01

--فائل فوٹوقومی اسمبلی نے الیکشن ایکٹ ترمیمی بل منظور کرلیا، چئیرمین پی ٹی آئی بیرسٹر گوہر نے بل کی مخالفت کی۔اعظم نذیر تارڑ نے بل... [...]

بلوچستان: محفوظ سفر کیلئے جعفر ایکسپریس میں جدید سیکیورٹی انتظامات

January 21, 2026 9:01

— فائل فوٹووزیر ریلوے حنیف عباسی کا کہنا ہے کہ بلوچستان حکومتی کاوشوں سے ریلوے سفر کو عوام کے لیے محفوظ اور پُراعتماد بنا دیا گیا... [...]

اقدام قتل اور دہشت گردی کا کیس: ایمان مزاری اور ہادی علی چٹھہ کی حفاظتی ضمانت منظور

January 21, 2026 9:01

اسلام آباد ہائی کورٹ نے اقدام قتل اور دہشت گردی کے کیس میں ایمان مزاری اور ہادی علی چٹھہ کی حفاظتی ضمانت منظور کر لی۔ایمان مزاری... [...]

بانی پی ٹی آئی کی خیریت کے بارے میں کوئی معلومات نہیں مل رہیں: شیخ وقاص اکرم

January 21, 2026 9:01

—فائل فوٹوپاکستان تحریک انصاف کے رہنما شیخ وقاص اکرم کا کہنا ہے کہ بانی پی ٹی آئی کی خیریت کے بارے میں کوئی معلومات نہیں مل... [...]

خوامخواہ تنقید ہوتی ہے کام نہیں کرتے: عظمیٰ بخاری کا وزیراعلیٰ کے پی پر طنز

January 21, 2026 9:01

کولاج بشکریہ سوشل میڈیا اکاؤنٹسپنجاب کی وزیرِ اطلاعات عظمیٰ بخاری نے وزیراعلیٰ خیبر پختونخوا سہیل آفریدی کی تصویر پر طنز کے نشتر... [...]

خواجہ آصف نے اٹھارویں ترمیم پر جو بات کی اسے پالیسی بیان سمجھیں گے، نوید قمر

January 21, 2026 9:01

فائل فوٹورہنما پیپلز پارٹی نوید قمر کا کہنا ہے ن لیگ کے پارلیمانی لیڈر خواجہ آصف کے کل کے بیان کو حکومت کا پالیسی بیان سمجھیں گے۔قومی... [...]

کراچی میں 100 بچوں سے بدفعلی کے مرکزی ملزم کی مزید تفصیلات سامنے آگئیں

January 21, 2026 8:01

کراچی میں 100 بچوں سے بدفعلی میں ملوث مرکزی ملزم عمران سے تفتیش کا سلسلہ جاری ہے۔تفتیشی ذرائع کے مطابق ملزم کا پنجاب کا مجرمانہ ریکارڈ... [...]

پنجاب میں مبینہ جعلی پولیس مقابلوں کیخلاف درخواست پر سماعت

January 21, 2026 8:01

فائل فوٹوپنجاب میں مبینہ جعلی پولیس مقابلوں کیخلاف درخواست پر سماعت کے موقع پر پنجاب پولیس اور قومی تحفظ کمیشن برائے انسانی حقوق نے... [...]

پنجاب نے خیبرپختونخوا میں گندم لے جانے پر پابندی لگا دی ہے، بیرسٹر گوہر

January 21, 2026 8:01

فائل فوٹوچیئرمین پی ٹی آئی بیرسٹر گوہر نے کہا ہے کہ پنجاب حکومت نے گندم خیبر پختونخوا لے جانے پر پابندی لگائی ہے۔قومی اسمبلی میں... [...]

برطانیہ میں مہنگائی کی شرح میں غیر متوقع اضافہ

January 21, 2026 9:01

— فائل فوٹو برطانیہ میں مہنگائی کی شرح بڑھ کر 3.4 فیصد ہو گئی۔برطانوی میڈیا کی رپورٹ کے مطابق تمباکو اور فضائی سفر کے کرایوں میں اضافے... [...]

سابق جاپانی وزیراعظم شنزو آبے کے قاتل کو عمر قید کی سزا

January 21, 2026 9:01

کولاج فوٹوز: فائلجاپان کے سابق وزیرِاعظم شنزو آبے کے قاتل ٹیٹسویہ یاماگامی کو عدالت نے عمر قید کی سزا سنا دی ہے۔ غیر ملکی میڈیا... [...]

لندن میں بڑا چینی سفارتخانہ بنانے کے منصوبے کی منظوری، اپوزیشن کا سخت ردِعمل

January 21, 2026 9:01

— فائل فوٹو برطانیہ نے لندن میں بڑے چینی سفارتخانے کے قیام کے منصوبے کو منظور کرلیا۔برطانوی حکومت کے اس فیصلے پر اپوزیشن کی جانب سے... [...]

دبئی: قانونی چارہ جوئی مزید آسان، وکلا کیلئے نیا ڈیجیٹل پلیٹ فارم لانچ

January 21, 2026 9:01

— فائل فوٹودبئی میں قانونی کارروائیوں کو مزید آسان بنانے کےلیے دبئی پولیس نے وکلا کے لیے ایک نیا ڈیجیٹل پلیٹ فارم متعارف کروایا... [...]

گرین لینڈ تنازع: امریکی وزیرِ خزانہ نے تجارتی جنگ کے خدشات کو ’ہسٹیریا‘ قرار دیدیا

January 21, 2026 8:01

— فائل فوٹوامریکی وزیرِ خزانہ اسکاٹ بیسنٹ نے کہا کہ امریکا اور یورپی ممالک گرین لینڈ کے معاملے پر کسی حل تک پہنچ جائیں گے۔ یورپی... [...]

بھارتی فضائیہ کا تربیتی طیارہ حادثے کا شکار، ویڈیو منظر عام پر

January 21, 2026 8:01

— اسکرین گریببھارتی ریاست اترپردیش میں بھارتی فضائیہ کا تربیتی مائیکرولائٹ طیارہ کریش کرگیا۔بھارتی میڈیا رپورٹس کے مطابق اتر... [...]

ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ ایران کے خلاف فیصلہ کن آپشنز چاہتے ہیں، امریکی حکام

January 21, 2026 7:01

فائل فوٹوامریکی اخبار نے امریکی حکام کے حوالے سے کہا ہے کہ صدر ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ ایران کے خلاف فیصلہ کن آپشنز چاہتے ہیں۔امریکی حکام کا کہنا... [...]

پاک بھارت کشیدگی میں ناکامی کے بعد بھارت کا خلا سے نگرانی کا نظام مضبوط کرنے کا فیصلہ

January 21, 2026 7:01

بھارت نے پاکستان کے ساتھ جنگ میں ناکامی کے بعد خلا سے نگرانی کا نظام مضبوط کرنے کا فیصلہ کرلیا۔ بھارت 50 سے زائد... [...]

نیتن یاہو نے غزہ بورڈ آف پیس میں شمولیت پر رضامندی ظاہر کردی

January 21, 2026 7:01

اسرائیلی وزیراعظم نیتن یاہو نے غزہ بورڈ آف پیس میں شمولیت پر رضامندی ظاہر کر دی ہے۔اسرائیلی وزیراعظم کے دفتر سے جاری بیان میں کہا... [...]

مودی کی ناقص خارجہ پالیسی سے بھارتی شہری مشکلات کا شکار

January 21, 2026 6:01

--فائل فوٹوبھارتی حکومت کی ناقص خارجہ پالیسی اور امریکی ویزا میں سختی پر بھارتی اخبار نے مودی حکومت پر سخت تنقید کی ہے۔بھارتی اخبار... [...]

’ان کی دنیا کو آگ لگا دیں گے‘، خامنہ ای کیخلاف کسی بھی اقدام پر ایران کی وارننگ

January 21, 2026 6:01

کولاج فوٹو: فائلایران نے امریکی صدر ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ کو خبردار کیا کہ اگر سپریم لیڈر آیت اللّٰہ علی خامنہ ای کے خلاف کوئی بھی جارحانہ اقدام... [...]

بھارت: آفس بلڈنگ میں آتشزدگی کے بہانے ساتھی خاتون کو قتل کرنیوالا ملزم گرفتار

January 21, 2026 6:01

کولاج بشکریہ بھارتی میڈیا بھارتی ریاست تمل ناڈو کی پولیس نے لائف انشورنس کارپوریشن کے دفتر میں گزشتہ ماہ آتشزدگی اور خاتون کی... [...]

پولینڈ کے نائب وزیراعظم نے دہشتگردی پر بھارت کا بیانیہ مسترد کردیا

January 21, 2026 6:01

فوٹو بشکریہ غیر ملکی میڈیاپولینڈ کے نائب وزیراعظم سیکورسکی نے دہشت گردی پر بھارت کا بیانیہ مسترد کر دیا۔بھارتی اخبار دی ہندو کے... [...]

امریکی صدر ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ کے معاشی دعوے غلط اور حقائق کے برعکس قرار

January 21, 2026 5:01

---فائل فوٹو اپنے دوسرے دورِ حکومت میں امریکی صدر ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ نے امریکی معیشت سے متعلق متعدد دعوے کیے جن میں سے بیشتر حقائق کے مطابق... [...]

گرین لینڈ کے معاملے پر ٹیرف ناقابل قبول ہیں، کینیڈین وزیراعظم

January 21, 2026 5:01

کینیڈین وزیراعظم مارک کارنی نے امریکا کی گرین لینڈ سے متعلق ممکنہ ٹیرف کی مخالفت کرتے ہوئے کہا ہے کہ گرین لینڈ کے معاملے پر ٹیرف... [...]

پنجاب حکومت نے پاسکو سے 7 لاکھ ٹن گندم خرید لی

January 21, 2026 11:01

فائل فوٹو پنجاب حکومت نے پاسکو سے 7 لاکھ ٹن گندم خرید لی۔ 3 لاکھ میٹرک ٹن کی پہلی کھیپ موصول ہوگئی۔ڈائریکٹر جنرل فوڈ امجد حفیظ کا کہنا... [...]

پاکستان میں پہلی بار سونا 5 لاکھ روپے فی تولہ ہوگیا

January 21, 2026 9:01

فائل فوٹوملکی تاریخ میں پہلی مرتبہ فی تولہ سونے کی قیمت 5 لاکھ روپے سے تجاوز کر گئی۔ آل پاکستان صرافہ جیمز اینڈ جیولرز ایسوسی ایشن... [...]

دو دن تیزی کے بعد پاکستان اسٹاک ایکسچینج میں آج مندی کا رجحان

January 21, 2026 9:01

---فائل فوٹو کاروباری ہفتے کے آغاز پر مسلسل دو دن مثبت رجحان رہنے کے بعد پاکستان اسٹاک ایکسچینج میں آج مندی کا رجحان دیکھا جا رہا... [...]

سال 2026 کیلئے گندم کی قیمت 3500 روپے فی من مقرر، نوٹیفکیشن جاری

January 21, 2026 8:01

رواں سال 2026ء کے لیے گندم کی قیمت 3 ہزار 500 روپے فی من مقرر کر دی گئی۔ حکومتِ پنجاب کی جانب سے جاری کیے گئے نوٹیفکیشن کے مطابق... [...]

ایف بی آر کے پرال سسٹم میں بغیر انٹریز سے 2 کروڑ سے زائد ریونیو کا نقصان

January 20, 2026 12:01

فیڈرل بورڈ آف ریونیو کے پرال سسٹم میں بغیر انٹریز سے 2 کروڑ 13 لاکھ روپے کے ریونیو نقصان کا انکشاف سامنے آیا ہے۔ پبلک اکاؤنٹس کمیٹی... [...]

سونے کی فی تولہ قیمت میں یکمشت 4300 روپے کا اضافہ

January 20, 2026 11:01

ملک میں سونے کی فی تولہ قیمت میں یکمشت 4300 روپے کا اضافہ ہوگیا۔آل پاکستان صرافہ جیمز اینڈ جیولرز ایسوسی ایشن کے مطابق 4300 روپے کے... [...]

پاکستان اسٹاک ایکسچینج میں مثبت رجحان

January 20, 2026 5:01

فائل فوٹوپاکستان اسٹاک ایکسچینج میں کاروباری ہفتے کے دوسرے دن مثبت رجحان دیکھا جارہا ہے۔بازار حصص میں کاروبار کے دوران 100 انڈیکس 309... [...]

ملکی تاریخ میں پہلی بار آئی ٹی برآمدات میں ریکارڈ اضافہ

January 20, 2026 5:01

فائل فوٹوملکی تاریخ میں پہلی بار ایک ماہ میں آئی ٹی برآمدات 400 ملین ڈالر کی حد عبور کرگئیں۔جاری کردہ اعداد و شمار کے مطابق دسمبر 2025... [...]

گلف نیوز نے بھی پاکستانی چاول کی عالمی سطح پر پذیرائی پر مہر ثبت کردی

January 19, 2026 6:01

—فائل فوٹوبین الاقوامی جریدہ گلف نیوز نے بھی پاکستانی چاول کی عالمی سطح پر پذیرائی پر مہر ثبت کر دی۔عرب میڈیا کے مطابق 2026 کے آغاز پر... [...]

پاکستان اسٹاک ایکسچینج میں زبردست تیزی، ایک لاکھ 87 ہزار کی حد بحال

January 19, 2026 5:01

پاکستان اسٹاک ایکسچینج میں کاروباری ہفتے کے پہلے دن زبردست تیزی دیکھی گئی۔بازار حصص میں کاروبار کے اختتام پر 100 انڈیکس 2662 پوائنٹس... [...]

علی پرویز ملک کی سعودی وزیرِ توانائی سے ملاقات

January 17, 2026 6:01

فوٹو: ایکس۔وزارت پیٹرولیم ڈویڑن، پاکستانوفاقی وزیر توانائی پیٹرولیم ڈویژن علی پرویز ملک نے سعودی دارالحکومت ریاض میں سعودی وزیرِ... [...]

سونے کی قیمت میں کمی، فی تولہ سونا کتنے کا ہوگیا؟

January 17, 2026 10:01

— فائل فوٹوملک بھر میں فی تولہ سونے کی قیمت دو روز مستحکم رہنے کے بعد آج 600 روپے کم ہوگئی۔آل پاکستان صرافہ جیمز اینڈ جیولرز ایسوسی... [...]

پی ایس ایکس: ہفتے کے دوران ملا جلا رجحان، 100 انڈیکس میں 689 پوائنٹس کا اضافہ

January 17, 2026 6:01

پاکستان اسٹاک ایکسچینج میں کاروباری ہفتے کے دوران ملا جلا رجحان رہا، جہاں 100 انڈیکس 689 پوائنٹس اضافے سے ایک لاکھ 85 ہزار 98 پوائنٹس پر... [...]

ٹیکسز، سرچارجز اور ڈیوٹیز کے باعث بجلی قیمتیں ناقابل برداشت ہوچکیں، نیپرا رپورٹ

January 16, 2026 2:01

فائل فوٹونیشنل الیکٹرک پاور ریگولیٹری اتھارٹی کی رپورٹ میں اعتراف کیا گیا ہے کہ بجلی قیمتیں ناقابل برداشت ہوچکی ہیں۔نیپرا نے پاور... [...]

ایل این جی 5.26 فیصد تک سستی ہوگئی، نوٹیفکیشن جاری

January 16, 2026 2:01

فائل فوٹو آئل اینڈ گیس ریگولیٹری اتھارٹی نے جنوری کے لیے ایل این جی 5.26 فیصد تک سستی کردی، جس کا نوٹیفکیشن بھی جاری کردیا۔سوئی... [...]

This stock-market indicator just flashed one of its most bullish signals since 2000

January 21, 2026 7:09

Market timers ran for the exits after Tuesday’s big drop. That’s a good sign. [...]

How to plan for the end of your life if you don’t have kids or a spouse

January 21, 2026 6:07

Here are the vital estate-planning moves solo agers and people without children need to take. [...]

Small stocks have crushed big ones this year, but that may just be a mirage

January 21, 2026 5:55

Small-cap investors are convinced the stock-market tide has turned in their favor. [...]

Turns out, DOGE did put Social Security data at risk. Here’s what lawmakers are doing about it.

January 21, 2026 5:48

Trump administration admits to security breaches that had been outlined in a whistleblower complaint [...]

Fighting with Elon Musk has been great for business, Ryanair CEO says

January 21, 2026 5:19

Ryanair’s bookings are up thanks to the controversy — and a to sale themed around the spat, CEO Michael O’Leary said. [...]

Forget what China said at Davos — investing in Chinese clean-energy stocks is a waste of money

January 21, 2026 5:18

China is praised for being a global alternative-enegy innovator. But its coal mining industry holds the real power. [...]

Intel’s stock soars toward a four-year high, raising the bar for earnings

January 21, 2026 5:05

Intel’s momentum reflects optimism about AI and manufacturing efforts, but analysts say earnings could underscore some challenges as well. [...]

Here’s the secret to spending money with no regrets

January 21, 2026 4:37

Author Morgan Housel has a strategy for your finances that works regardless of what the economy does. [...]

This Trump comment about Greenland at Davos is calming markets. Here’s why.

January 21, 2026 4:28

U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he wouldn’t use force to obtain Greenland and called for negotiations, with his remarks coming during a speech at the World Economic Forum’s annual gathering in Davos, Switzerland. [...]

Netflix’s stock remains under pressure as investors balk at forecast and Warner Bros. acquisition

January 21, 2026 4:11

Investors appear unconvinced by Netflix’s effort to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery’s studio and streaming businesses and have registered their discontent over the company’s 2026 guidance. [...]

AI chatbots could replace 'Dr. Google' for your digital health records

January 21, 2026 5:12

Retail investors snap up gold and silver — and move past big tech

January 21, 2026 4:21

This Trump comment about Greenland at Davos is calming markets. Here’s why.

January 21, 2026 2:37

Dow, S&P 500 and Nasdaq try to rally after Tuesday's selloff. Follow live here.

January 21, 2026 1:12

U.S. Treasury Sec. Bessent calls Denmark investment in bonds 'irrelevant'

January 21, 2026 11:16

Kraft Heinz stock falls as Berkshire may sell off nearly its entire stake

January 21, 2026 2:44