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Pakistan has reduced its policy rate to an all-time high.

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2 weeks ago

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There has been a significant decrease in the policy interest rate that Pakistan has implemented. The country’s central bank made the announcement on Monday that it will be lowering interest rates by 250 basis points, bringing them down to 15 percent. This was a record-breaking reduction in Pakistan’s policy rate, which was done with the intention of bolstering the economy, which had been struggling.

Following a significant decrease in Pakistan’s inflation rate, the central bank made this move. It was anticipated in a poll conducted by Reuters that policy rates would be reduced by 200 basis points. There was a forty percent increase in the country’s inflation rate in May 2023, however it has since decreased to seven point two percent in October. The Ministry of Finance anticipates that inflation will continue to decline, reaching a level of between 5.5 and 6.5 percent in the month of November.

Earlier, Pakistan had reduced the policy rate by 700 basis points over the course of four separate measures beginning in June of last year. The economy of Pakistan has been in a precarious situation for a considerable amount of time. The majority of economists are of the opinion that falling interest rates is essential in order to stimulate economic expansion.

By stating that the existing monetary policy will assist stabilize commodity prices and keep inflation between 5 and 7 percent, the State Bank of Pakistan expressed its support for a reduction in interest rates. In addition to contributing to the preservation of macroeconomic stability, it will also contribute to the achievement of economic growth on a sustainable basis.

Jameel Ahmad, the Governor of the Central Bank, informed analysts at a briefing that Pakistan’s bilateral partner countries have promised the International Monetary Fund (IMF) of continuing support for the duration of their current financial recovery program. This announcement was made in conjunction with the announcement of the policy rate decline.

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The Pakistan Stock Exchange hits a record high as it approaches 97,000 points.

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The benchmark Hundred Index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) has surpassed 96,000 points, creating a new all-time high, marking a historic milestone. The index saw an incredible 855-point spike, closing at 96,711 points, the highest level ever seen in the history of the market.

The index increased by 765 points earlier in the day to reach 96,622 points, and then by an additional 488 points to trade at 96,344 points. Good economic conditions and high investor confidence are reflected in the steady rising trend.

Analysts credit the market’s outstanding success to rising foreign investment, better investor sentiment, and economic advancements. The PSX is now among the best-performing markets in the area because to its consistent growth.

With more increases anticipated in the days ahead, the PSX’s bullish momentum demonstrates the financial sector’s resiliency.

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The price of flour in Islamabad, Punjab, has increased by Rs 1,300.

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In these districts, the proprietors of wheat mills have increased the price of an 80kg bag by Rs1300, according to the facts.

Separately, the Naan Bai Association has instituted an emergency meeting to discuss the bread (roti) tariff.

Prior to this, the federal government successfully negotiated with the owners of the wheat mills and eliminated a 5.5% advance income tax.

Before this, the government announced and staged a walkout against the advance income tax imposed in the budget 2024–2025, and the government established a committee to negotiate with the flour mills association.

READ: In Karachi, the cost of flour reaches Rs2,200 for 20 kg

As a result of the successful conclusion of the negotiations, the government abolished the levy, and the mill owners subsequently called off their strike.

The proprietors of the flour mills went on strike for three days, which is relevant to our discussion since it caused a shortage of flour, especially in Karachi.

On July 11, the flour mill owners declared and staged a walkout in protest of the tax imposed in the 2024–2025 budget.

According to the flour mill owners, they are already having trouble operating their business because of rising electricity costs.

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Amidst better macroeconomic data, stocks are still rising.

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Following positive remarks made by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) team during its just-completed visit, the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) continued to see bulls’ rise.

The benchmark KSE-100 index gained 813.04 points on Tuesday and was currently trading at 95,808.71 points.

Increased purchasing was observed in a number of industries, including power generation, cement, commercial banks, oil and gas exploration firms, OMCs, and pharmaceuticals.

HUBCO, PSO, SBGPL, MARI, OGDC, PPL, MEBL, and MCB were among the index-heavy stocks that saw a financial bonanza.

A number of variables are thought to be responsible for the market’s ongoing bullish momentum, chief among them being Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb’s refutation of press reports about the potential for a mini-budget.

Investor confidence was also bolstered by an increase in Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves.

The benchmark KSE-100 index finished Monday at 94,995 points, so keep that in mind.

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