Business

Top four budget-friendly electric vehicles to look for in 2024

Published

12 months ago

Farwa

As the electric vehicle market expands, car enthusiasts on a budget can now explore a range of affordable options in 2024.

Here are the top four cost-effective electric vehicles (EVs) that promise both sustainability and economic value:

1. Nissan Leaf (starting at $28,140)

Nissan Leaf (starting at $28,140).—Treehugger

The veteran Nissan Leaf, introduced in 2010, remains a compelling choice with a wallet-friendly starting price. Despite its long tenure in the EV world, the Leaf retains its charm and practicality. For safety-conscious buyers, it boasts a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

2. MINI Cooper SE Electric (starting at $30,900)

The MINI Cooper SE Electric preserves the iconic design of its gas-powered counterpart, delivering a unique electric driving experience. With a swift 0-60 mph acceleration in under seven seconds and favorable ownership ratings, it stands out as an affordable and stylish option.

3. Hyundai Kona Electric (starting at $32,675)

The revamped 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric showcases a captivating design and improved features. The base SE model offers a commendable 200-mile range, while higher trims extend that to an impressive 261 miles. Hyundai’s standard 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty adds an extra layer of confidence for potential buyers.

4. Chevrolet Equinox 1LT (starting at $34,995)

Positioned as GM’s affordable EV, the Chevrolet Equinox 1LT enters the market as a worthy successor to the discontinued Chevrolet Bolt. Expected to hit showrooms in mid-2024, this model boasts an estimated 319-mile range on a full charge and accelerates from 0-60 mph in just 5.9 seconds. Its competitive pricing and performance make it a compelling option.

Important consideration for EV buyers

While these EVs offer affordability in terms of purchase price, prospective buyers should be mindful of insurance costs. Electric vehicles often come with higher insurance premiums due to longer repair times and the expense of battery packs.

To optimise insurance expenses, it’s advisable to compare policies and explore bundling options with renters or homeowners insurance for potential premium reductions.

Business

With its second-largest surge ever, PSX approaches 114,000 points.

Published

2 days ago

Farwa

Driven by renewed activity from both private and government financial institutions, the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) saw its second-largest rally in history on Monday.

The market regained many important levels in a single trading session as it rose with previously unheard-of momentum.

Intraday trading saw a top increase of 4,676 points, and the PSX’s benchmark KSE-100 Index gained 4,411 points to settle at 113,924 points. This impressive rebound demonstrated significant investor confidence by reestablishing the 100,000, 111,000, 112,000, and 113,000-point levels.

The market also saw the 114,000-point limit reestablished during the trading session.

The positive tendency was reflected when the market’s heavyweight shares touched its upper circuits. Among the most busiest trading sessions in recent memory, an astounding 85.78 billion shares worth a total of Rs55 billion were exchanged.

Experts credited the spike to heightened institutional investor activity and hope for macroeconomic recovery. Considered a major market recovery, the rally demonstrated the market’s tenacity and development potential.

Business

In interbank trade, the Pakistani rupee beats the US dollar.

Published

1 week ago

Farwa

In the international exchange market, the US dollar has continued to weaken in relation to the Pakistani rupee.

The dollar fell to Rs278.10 from Rs278.17 at the beginning of interbank trading, according to currency dealers, a seven paisa loss.

In the meantime, there was a lot of turbulence in the stock market, but it recovered and moved into the positive zone. The KSE-100 index recovered momentum and reached 116,000 points after soaring 1,300 points.

Both currency and stock market swings, according to analysts, are a reflection of ongoing market adjustments and economic uncertainty.

Business

Phase II of CPEC: China-Pakistan Partnership Enters a New Era

Published

1 week ago

Farwa

The cornerstone of economic cooperation between the two brothers and all-weather friends is still the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, the initiative’s flagship project.

In contrast to reports of a slowdown, recent events indicate a renewed vigour and strategic emphasis on pushing the second phase of CPEC, known as CPEC Phase-2, according to the Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives.

According to the statement, this crucial stage seeks to reshape the foundation of bilateral ties via increased cooperation, cutting-edge technology transfer, and revolutionary socioeconomic initiatives.

Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal is leading Pakistan’s participation in a number of high-profile gatherings in China, such as the 3rd Forum on China-Indian Ocean Region Development Cooperation in Kunming and the High-Level Seminar on CPEC-2 in Beijing.

His involvement demonstrates Pakistan’s commitment to reviving CPEC, resolving outstanding concerns, and developing a strong phase-2 roadmap that considers both countries’ long-term prosperity.

At the core of these interactions is China’s steadfast determination to turn CPEC into a strategic alliance that promotes development, progress, and connectivity.

Instead of being marginalised, CPEC is developing into a multifaceted framework with five main thematic corridors: the Opening-Up/Regional Connectivity Corridor, the Innovation Corridor, the Green Corridor, the Growth Corridor, and the Livelihood-Enhancing Corridor.

With the help of projects like these, the two countries will fortify their partnership, and CPEC phase-2 will become a model of global economic integration and collaboration that benefits not just China and Pakistan but the entire region.