JH Investments | Realtime Financial News and Analysis

Another interesting phenomenon that we are witnessing this time is that the boycott is followed more enthusiastically by the upper class of society, who usually consume international brands. This is another factor that has strained the business of multinational companies. KARACHI: A social movement to boycott Western products to protest alleged support for Israeli atrocities in Gaza has dealt a major blow to the business of Pakistan's world-renowned brands. At the same time, it has increased opportunities for local alternatives, which are still struggling to fill the gap because of their shortcomings, researchers and industrialist said. "This also appears as an opportunity for local companies that have seen an increase in sales as an alternative to international products," said Kashif Hafeez of Pulse Consultants, a national social research organization that conducted the recent study. "The study will help our local businesses to take advantage of the opportunity and

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) saw a phenomenal rise of nearly 17 percent in November 2023 and the highest foreign investment in six years at $3.5 million, indicating strong investor confidence in the country's economic recovery. On a percentage basis, this was the highest monthly return in more than a decade, second only to the abnormal return of Covid in April 2020. Pakistan's stock market rally was a key factor in the benchmark's 50 percent rise since late June, making it the world's second-best performer during the period, behind Argentina. The month's gains were driven by investor confidence in the country's economic prospects after a $3 billion stand-by loan (SBA) with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) avoided sovereign debt default.   Expected inflows from the IMF and friendly countries such as China and Saudi Arabia with relatively stable currencies and a possible drop in interest rates also added to market sentiment. Average daily volumes and val

The Pakistani rupee (PKR) is expected to continue its downward spiral and reach an all-time low of 350 per dollar by the end of next year. A report cited by global financial news provider Bloomberg said the PKR is the worst performing currency in Asia this year and will continue to depreciate over the next three years. According to the report, the weakness of PKR is due to Pakistan's high inflation, trade deficit, debt repayment, foreign financing deficit and declining foreign investment. The report also warns that there could be a shortage of dollars in Pakistan, which could lead to parallel currency markets where the dollar is traded at a higher rate than the official rate. This would damage the credibility of the central bank and the government as they tried to curb illegal currency trading and stabilize the rupee. The report adds that Pakistan's economic problems could continue until 2024 as the country relies on short-term loans and aid from the International Monetary Fun

Asian markets struggled on Thursday after another lackluster performance on Wall Street, focusing on the release of key US inflation data, as traders bet the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates next year, APP reported. Observers say signs that global and major economies are feeling a lingering strain from monetary policy have given banks room to take a more dovish stance in the fight against inflation, which is set to fall sharply in 2022 from a four-decade high. That, along with several Fed policymakers signaling their support for keeping interest rates where they are, gave traders some much-needed reassurance at the end of a difficult year. And the latest reports added to the optimism. The Fed's beige book summary of the economy showed that activity has slowed in recent weeks and the labor market has continued to cool. Policymakers have said some jobs are needed to restore inflation to 2 percent. Gross domestic product grew faster than expected in the third quarter, and consu