Business
PSX extends gains over external debt clarity | The Express Tribune
KARACHI:
The bullish trend continued at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Tuesday as the KSE-100 index advanced nearly 800 points in a rally reflecting a stable policy rate and government’s ability to meet external debt obligations. Notably, the index reclaimed the 156,000-point level while building on Monday’s successful defence of a key support zone.
Pakistan has to repay external debt worth $26.1 billion in FY26 comprising principal loans of $22 billion and interest costs of $4.1 billion. So far, $3.5 billion worth of obligations have been met through $1.5 billion in repayments and $2 billion in rollovers, leaving $22.5 billion, which is due to be repaid over the remaining period of the current fiscal year.
Adding to the momentum, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) governor reiterated that all external obligations, including a $500 million bond maturity, would be met on time without straining the foreign reserves.
KTrade Securities, in its market wrap, mentioned that the PSX closed another session on a positive note as the benchmark KSE-100 index gained 796 points (+0.51%) to settle at 156,181. The rally was supported by strong performances in stocks of Meezan Bank, TRG Pakistan, Oil and Gas Development Company, Hub Power, Pakistan State Oil, Mari Energies and The Bank of Punjab.
The report largely attributed the index’s growth to the SBP’s decision to maintain policy rate at 11%, which was welcomed by the market as a prudent and stabilising measure.
Trading activity remained robust, with total volumes reaching 1,356 million shares. The resilience at the PSX reflects investor confidence in Pakistan’s long-term economic prospects, supported by improving corporate earnings.
However, some short-term consolidation is likely in the coming sessions as the market prepares for futures contract rollover next week, KTrade predicted. Arif Habib Limited remarked that the PSX regained the 156,000 level following a successful test of support on Monday.
Some 67 shares rose while 31 fell, where Meezan Bank (+2.64%), TRG Pakistan (+10%) and Oil and Gas Development Company (+1.37%) contributed the most to index gains. On the flip side, Fauji Fertiliser (-0.79%), MCB Bank (-0.5%) and Aaskari Bank (-1.85%) were the biggest drags, it said.
AHL mentioned that the government’s external debt repayments for FY26 stood at $26.1 billion including $4.1 billion worth of interest and $22 billion in principal amount. Of the total, $3.5 billion has been managed – $1.5 billion repaid while $2 billion rolled over. Around $22.5 billion is due in the remaining months of the current fiscal year.
Additionally, the SBP governor expressed confidence that all repayments would be met on time without straining reserves and confirmed that the $500 million bond maturity would be repaid without impacting the foreign currency holdings. AHL concluded that the KSE-100 index remains on track to hit 158k in the near term.
Overall trading volumes jumped to 1.4 billion shares versus Monday’s tally of 857.6 million. Traded value was recorded at Rs43.3 billion.
Shares of 483 companies were traded. Of these, 280 stocks rose, 178 fell and 25 remained unchanged. WorldCall Telecom was the volume leader with trading in 125.7 million shares, gaining Rs0.09 to close at Rs1.66.
Business
Asda boss rejects profiteering claims as petrol price tops 150p
Motorists are facing higher fuel prices ahead of Easter break due to the conflict in the Middle East, the RAC says.
Source link
Business
Hetero rolls out generic semaglutide exports to over 75 countries – The Times of India
Hyderabad: Pharma player Hetero on Friday said it has rolled out exports of its generic semaglutide injection portfolio as part of a multi-year plan to widen access to treatments for type 2 diabetes and obesity in more than 75 countries.The Hyderabad-based pharmaceutical company said initial rollouts are under way in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, with additional launches planned in other markets subject to regulatory approvals.The injectable therapies will be sold under the brand names Truglyx, Rolmodl and Moto G. Semaglutide belongs to the GLP-1 class of medicines, which are used in diabetes care and weight management.Hetero said the export launch is part of its broader strategy to improve access to advanced cardio-metabolic therapies, particularly in emerging markets.The company said the products will be offered in multi-dose disposable pen devices designed in line with innovator formats and will be available in several strengths, including 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg, 1.7 mg and 2.4 mg, allowing dosing flexibility for both diabetes and obesity treatment.Hetero said it is also awaiting approval from India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) after completing clinical trials in type 2 diabetes and obesity and plans an India launch after regulatory clearance.Hetero managing director Dr Vamsi Krishna Bandi said the company aims to provide high-quality, affordable generic semaglutide through a single global product platform backed by its manufacturing and development capabilities.He said Hetero would use its commercial networks across Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America to support supply and access. The Hyderabad-headquartered Hetero operates in more than 145 countries and employs over 30,000 people.
Business
India-US trade deal update: Piyush Goyal meets USTR Jamieson Greer, discusses next steps in BTA talks – The Times of India
Commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal on Friday met US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and reviewed the next steps in negotiations for the proposed India-US bilateral trade agreement (BTA).The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 14th ministerial conference (MC14) of the World Trade Organisation in Yaounde, Cameroon, where both sides also exchanged views on issues related to the WTO agenda.“Had a very productive discussion with @USTradeRep Jamieson Greer on the sidelines of the WTO Ministerial Conference. Exchanged views on the #WTOMC14 agenda, next steps in the India-US BTA negotiations and explored ways to further deepen our economic cooperation and bilateral trade ties,” Goyal said in a social media post.The development comes amid ongoing efforts by both countries to finalise an interim trade pact. Last month, India and the US announced that they had finalised a framework for the first phase of the agreement, though it is yet to be signed.The two sides had earlier announced a trade deal on February 2, followed by a joint statement on February 7 outlining the contours of the agreement.As part of the framework, the US had agreed to reduce tariffs on Indian goods to 18%. However, the tariff structure has since undergone changes after the US Supreme Court struck down sweeping tariffs imposed under earlier measures.Following the ruling, US President Donald Trump introduced a 10% tariff on all countries for a period of 150 days starting February 24.In view of these developments, a planned meeting between chief negotiators of India and the US — aimed at finalising the legal text of the agreement — has been postponed. The pact was earlier expected to be signed this month.An official had earlier said that the interim trade agreement would be signed once the new global tariff framework of the US is fully in place.
-
Entertainment1 week agoVal Kilmer revived 1 year after death through AI
-
Fashion7 days agoChina’s textile & apparel exports surge 17% to $50 bn in Jan-Feb 2026
-
Business7 days agoFlipkart group CFO to leave co amid IPO plans – The Times of India
-
Sports7 days agoRating Adidas’ 2026 World Cup away shirts: Argentina, Spain, Mexico and more
-
Business1 week agoVideo: The Effects of High Oil Prices
-
Sports7 days agoAmerican Conference Commissioner Tim Pernetti thanks Trump for Army-Navy game executive order
-
Tech1 week ago
The Corsair 4000D RS PC Case Keeps Your System Cool
-
Tech1 week ago‘Uncanny Valley’: Nvidia’s ‘Super Bowl of AI,’ Tesla Disappoints, and Meta’s VR Metaverse ‘Shutdown’
