Profit rates revised for National Savings schemes
The Savings Account (SA) rate dropped by 100bps to 9.50% from 10.50%, according to Topline Securities.
Defence Saving Certificates (DSC) returns fell by 21bps to 11.91% from 12.12%, while Bahbood Savings Certificates (BSC) declined by 24bps to 13.44% from 13.68%.
Rates for Pensioners Benefit Account (PBA) and Shuhda Family Welfare Account (SFWA) were also lowered by 24bps each, now standing at 13.44%.
Similarly, Regular Income Certificates (RIC) returns decreased by 18bps to 11.52% from 11.70%.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Express Tribune
Oil and gas output hits 20-year low
Amid renewed hopes of US investment in Pakistan's oil sector, spurred by recent tweets from former US President Donald Trump hinting at greater American involvement in local exploration and implying potential crude supply to India, Pakistan has recorded its weakest oil and gas production in more than two decades. Industry data for fiscal year 2025 (FY25) shows a steep double-digit drop in both crude oil and natural gas output, deepening concerns over energy security and foreign exchange pressures. Analysts warn the downturn, driven by structural imbalances, regulatory measures, and surplus imported LNG, could deepen in the year ahead, adding pressure to the country's foreign exchange reserves and energy security. Pakistan's oil and gas sector recorded its weakest output in more than two decades during fiscal year 2025 (FY25), as surplus regasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG) in the system forced a curtailment of local production. According to a report by Topline Securities, hydrocarbon output fell sharply, with crude oil volumes down 12% year-on-year (YoY) and natural gas output slipping 8% YoY. The downturn accelerated in the final quarter, with oil production dropping 8% quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) and 15% YoY, while gas production contracted by 7% QoQ and 10% YoY, underscoring persistent strain on the sector. The surplus RLNG was driven in part by a policy shift that diverted captive industrial users from natural gas to the national power grid. Compounding the pressure, the government imposed an "off-grid levy" on captive gas consumption at a rate of Rs791 per million British thermal units (mmbtu), pushing the total cost to Rs4,291/mmbtu. This made electricity generation via gas more expensive than grid supply, further discouraging industrial gas use and reducing demand for domestic production. Oil output averaged 62,400 barrels per day (bpd) in FY25, with volumes falling across major fields by between 3% and 46%. Key producers such as Makori East, Nashpa, Maramzai, Pasakhi, and Mardankhel all saw declines. The Tal Block, which accounts for roughly 17% of Pakistan's total oil production, posted a steep 22% YoY decline in the fourth quarter alone. Within the block, production from the Maramzai and Mardankhel fields plunged by 54% and 52% YoY, respectively, highlighting the severity of the downturn. Gas output averaged 2,886 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) in FY25, with major fields also under pressure. Qadirpur and Nashpa recorded the steepest contractions in the fourth quarter, down 36% and 34% YoY, respectively, largely due to curtailment by the Sui gas companies. Even the Sui field itself, Pakistan's largest gas producer, reported consistent declines, reflecting the sector-wide impact of the RLNG oversupply and shifting demand patterns. The cutback in domestic production has had significant macroeconomic consequences. Topline Securities estimates that the increased reliance on imported fuels, necessitated by the reduced local output, placed an additional strain of more than $1.2 billion on Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves during FY25. Analysts warn that this not only inflates the import bill but also exposes the country to greater vulnerability from global fuel price swings and potential supply disruptions. Looking ahead, the outlook remains challenging. Topline projects that oil production will hover between 58,000-60,000 bpd in FY26, while gas output is expected to remain in the range of 2,750-2,850 mmcfd. Without a reversal of current policies or new investment in exploration and production (E&P), FY26 could mark the third consecutive year of declining hydrocarbon volumes. There is, however, a potential opening for recovery. The government is set to renegotiate its long-term RLNG supply agreement with Qatar in March 2026. Industry observers believe that more flexible contract terms could give domestic E&P companies the space to ramp up production, provided field maintenance and capital expenditure remain on track. Balancing imported LNG supply with the need to sustain indigenous production, they note, will be critical to ensuring Pakistan's energy security and protecting its fragile foreign exchange position.
Business Recorder
6 days ago
- Business Recorder
Stocks hit fresh peak
KARACHI: The bulls stamped their authority on the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Monday, propelling the Index to fresh heights as investor optimism surged on the back of encouraging corporate earnings and reports of upcoming U.S. investments in Pakistan's energy sector. The benchmark KSE-100 Index surged 1,547.05 points, or 1.06 percent, to close at 146,929.84 compared with the previous session's 145,382.80. During the day, the index touched an intraday peak of 147,005.18 and a low of 145,258.50, underscoring the market's strong upward momentum. The BRIndex100 settled at 15,072.82, up 154.70 points or 1.04 percent, with a total turnover of 455.38 million shares. The BRIndex30 also rose 291.11 points, or 0.69 percent, to close at 42,625.38, with 249.68 million shares traded. According to Topline Securities, the rally was fuelled by a potent mix of positive news flow and earnings surprises, with heavyweight stocks MARI, BAHL, OGDC, MEBL, and MCB collectively contributing 959 points to the KSE-100's advance. Sentiment was further buoyed by speculation over strategic U.S. corporate inflows into Pakistan's energy sector, which many investors saw as a signal of renewed foreign confidence in the economy. Market activity remained vibrant, with ready market volumes swelling to 611.20 million shares worth Rs44.00 billion, compared with 548.05 million shares valued at Rs45.48 billion in the previous session. Market capitalization jumped to Rs17.53 trillion from Rs17.34 trillion, adding nearly Rs187 billion in investor wealth. Lotte Chemical topped the volume chart with 73.28 million shares traded, followed by Siddiqsons Tin at 21.15 million and Invest Bank at 19.98 million. Among major gainers, Mari Energies Limited rallied Rs47.52 to Rs666.05, while Thal Limited advanced Rs45.53 to Rs500.78. On the flip side, Unilever Pakistan Foods dropped Rs906.49 to Rs32,100.01, and PIA Holding Company LimitedB fell Rs536.51 to Rs28,843.15. Advancers outpaced decliners in the ready market by 242 to 209, with 28 stocks unchanged out of 479 active scrips. The BR Automobile Assembler Index closed at 23,484.83, up 113.66 points or 0.49 percent, on 2.37 million shares. The BR Cement Index gained 91.99 points, or 0.82 percent, to settle at 11,358.97 with 29.38 million shares traded. The BR Commercial Banks Index surged 796.13 points, or 1.87 percent, to 43,334.68 on 63.53 million shares. The BR Power Generation and Distribution Index rose 116.79 points, or 0.51 percent, to 22,861.72 with 26.96 million shares. The BR Oil and Gas Index climbed 324.83 points, or 2.48 percent, to 13,404.46 on a turnover of 55.03 million shares. In contrast, the BR Technology & Communication Index slipped 17.28 points, or 0.52 percent, to 3,297.46 with 42.90 million shares changing hands. According to Ahsan Mehanti, Analyst at Arif Habib Corporation, stocks closed at a new all-time high amid strong financial results and speculation over a positive outcome from U.S. investments under the Pak–U.S. trade deal. He added that record remittances of $3.2 billion in July 2025, rupee stability, and expectations for higher exports due to the India–U.S. tariff conflict acted as catalysts for the record bullish close at the PSX. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
08-08-2025
- Business Recorder
Profit-taking drags PSX down
KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange ended the week on a subdued note as profit-taking erased early gains with sentiment dampened by concerns over a widening trade deficit, foreign outflows, and provincial tax collection shortfalls. The benchmark KSE 100 Index closed at 145,382.80 points, a decrease of 264 points or 0.18 percent from the previous session's 145,647.14 points. It initially showed positive momentum, gaining to an intraday high of 146,813.44 points. However, investors opted to book gains before the weekend, causing the index to decline. Topline Securities reported that investors preferred to book gains before the weekend. Top positive contributors to the index included ENGROH, FFC, OGDC, and MCB, which collectively added 395 points. In contrast, EFERT, LUCK, SYS, MARI, and HUBC lost value, weighing down the index by 399 points. On Friday, BRIndex100 closed at 14,918.12 points which was 3.94 points or 0.03 percent lower than previous close and the total volume remained 420.611 million shares. BRIndex30 closed at 42,334.27 points which was 245.27 points or 0.58 percent lower than previous close and the total volume was 203.423 million shares. The broader market reflected this downturn. In the ready market, 296 companies saw a decrease in their rates, while 151 experienced an increase, and 35 remained unchanged in the total 482 active companies. Turnover and traded value decreased across the board. The ready market's turnover dropped to 548.05 million from the previous day's 712.527 million shares. Traded value in the market also decreased to Rs45.48 billion from Rs55.67 billion in the previous session. The market capitalization for the regular market was Rs17.342 trillion, which is a decrease of Rs33 billion from the previous day's value of Rs17.375 trillion. Among the top performers in the ready market, Pak Petroleum had the highest turnover at 21.96 million and closed the day at a rate of Rs188.23. Following closely was Bank of Punjab, with a turnover of 21.25 million shares traded and a closed at of Rs13.92. The third company was Loads Limited, which recorded a turnover of 20.56 million shares and closed at a rate of Rs16.58. Companies reflecting increase in rates include Ismail Industries Limited whose share price increased by Rs 70.39, and closed at Rs 2,172.38. While Supernet Technologies Limited increased by Rs43.11, closing at Rs802.60. Conversely, PIA Holding Company Limited (B) saw the most significant rate decrease, falling by 478.14 to close at 29,379.66. Moreover, Nestle Pakistan Limited also lost Rs87.02 and closed at Rs8,950.56. The BR Automobile Assembler Index settled at 23,371.17 points, down 172.54 points or 0.73 percent, with a turnover of 2.90 million shares. The BR Cement Index ended at 11,266.98 points, registering a decline of 120.58 points or 1.06 percent, on a volume of 23.58 million shares. Closing at 42,538.55 points the BR Commercial Banks Index slipped 9.79 points or 0.02 percent, with 56.59 million shares traded. The BR Power Generation and Distribution Index closed at 22,744.93 points, losing 121.31 points or 0.53 percent, on a turnover of 22.36 million shares. Finishing at 13,079.63 points, the BR Oil and Gas Index dropped 67.76 points or 0.52 percent, with a total volume of 71.71 million shares. Meanwhile, the BR Technology and Communication Index ended the day at 3,314.74 points, down 31.81 points or 0.95 percent, with 53.74 million shares changing hands. In his post session commentary, Ahsan Mehanti of Arif Habib Corporation said that stocks closed under pressure amid profit taking in overbought scrips. Concerns remain over the $2.8bn trade deficit for July 25 swelling by 44 percent year on year basis. Foreign outflows, concerns for provincial tax collection shortfalls and missed cash surplus target under IMF conditions and political noise played a catalyst role in bearish close at PSX, he added. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
