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Gold regains shine, price rises over 1% in Pakistan

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  • Per tola gold price settles at Rs197,100.
  • Cumulatively, gold gains Rs3,000 per tola in last two sessions.
  • Silver prices in domestic market remain unchanged.

Gold price in Pakistan regained its shine on Wednesday as the rate rose over 1% in the local bullion market owing to a steep decline in the rupee value.

According to All-Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association (APSGJA), the price of gold (24 carats) surged by Rs2,700 per tola and Rs2,315 per 10 grams to settle at Rs197,100 and Rs168,981, respectively.

Cumulatively, the precious commodity gained Rs3,000 per tola in the last two sessions reversing the prevailing trend recorded last week — when gold lost Rs1,900 per tola.

Meanwhile, silver prices in the domestic market remained unchanged at Rs2,080 per tola and Rs1,783.26 per 10 grams, respectively.

Analysts say gold may be an effective way to defend investments against inflation, but only over long periods of time.

Comparatively, over shorter periods of time, the inflation-adjusted price of gold swings wildly, making it not a very strong near-term hedge for inflation.

In the international market, gold gained traction as strong Chinese economic data dented the dollar and drove some bets for better physical demand from the top bullion consumer, but the risk of elevated US interest rates capped gains.

The per ounce price of gold in the international bullion market rose by $27 to settle at $1,837.

“The market is cautiously optimistic for a Chinese economic recovery following strong data which has put the dollar rally into reverse,” independent analyst Ross Norman said, adding that it was, in turn, boosting gold and risk-on assets.

Physical gold demand in the key hub has already picked up this year as COVID-19 restrictions were eased.

“Gold was clearly oversold and we’re seeing good bargain hunting on the lows, having found technical support at the $1,808 level … the market looks poised to firm but cautiously so, with US inflation-linked data being a constant driver,” Norman added.

Although traditionally considered an inflation hedge, higher interest rates to rein in consumer prices dim the appetite for bullion since it pays no interest.

Gold registered its worst month since June 2021 in February after a slew of US data pointed to a resilient economy and a tight labour market, sparking fears that the Federal Reserve would deliver more rate hikes to curb inflation.

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Irfan Siddiqui meets with the PM and informs him about the Senate performance of the parliamentary party.

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The head of the Senate’s Foreign Affairs Standing Committee and the PML-N’s parliamentary leader paid Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif a visit in Islamabad.

Senator Irfan Siddiqui gave the Prime Minister an update on the Parliamentary Party’s Senate performance.

Additionally, Senator Irfan Siddiqui gave the Prime Minister an update on the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs’ performance.

He complimented the Prime Minister on his outstanding efforts to bring Pakistan’s economy back on track and meet its economic objectives.

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SIFC Increases Direct Foreign Investment: Investment in the Energy Sector Rises by 120%

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The Special Investment Facilitation Council is intended to help Pakistan’s energy sector attract $585.6 million in direct foreign investment in 2024–2025. The amount invested at the same time previous year was $266.3 million.

This is a notable 120% rise, mostly due to investments in gas exploration, oil, and power. Such expansion indicates heightened investor confidence and emphasizes the development potential in important areas.

The State Bank reports that foreign investment in other vital industries has increased by 48% to $771 million.

This advancement is a blatant testament to SIFC’s efficient investment procedure and quick project execution.

The purpose of the Special Investment Facilitation Council is to establish Pakistan as an investment hub by aggressively promoting regional trade and investment in the energy sector and other critical industries.

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Discos report losses of Rs239 billion.

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When compared to the same period last year, the data indicates that discos have decreased their losses in the first quarter of the current fiscal year.

The distribution businesses recorded losses of Rs239 billion in the first three months of the current fiscal year, a substantial decrease from the Rs308 billion losses sustained during the same period the previous year.

Additionally, the distribution businesses’ rate of recovery has improved. It has increased to 91% in the first quarter of this year from 84% in the same period last year, indicating success in revenue collection.

Regarding circular debt, the Power division observed a notable change. Last year, between July and October, the circular debt grew by Rs301 billion. Nonetheless, this year’s first four months saw a relatively modest increase in circular debt, totaling about Rs11 billion.

These enhancements show promising developments in the electricity sector’s financial health in Pakistan, where initiatives are being made to accelerate recovery rates and slow the expansion of circular debt.

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