Global Interest Rate Cuts Stalled in April as Iran War Sparks New Inflationary Pressures
Central banks worldwide pause interest rate easing as the conflict in Iran drives up energy costs and inflation expectations across G10 and emerging market economies.
ESCAP Projects Pakistan Economic Growth at 2.6 Percent Amid Recovery and Climate Risks
The latest UN ESCAP report forecasts 2.6 percent growth for Pakistan in FY26 while highlighting significant inflation reduction and successful solar energy initiatives.
HBL Manufacturing PMI Falls to 49.9 as Middle East Conflict Triggers Stagflationary Pressures in Pakistan
Pakistan’s manufacturing sector enters contraction for the first time since 2025 as the HBL PMI hits 49.9, driven by surging fuel costs and the US-Iran war.
Pakistan Stock Exchange Rallies as KSE-100 Recovers 900 Points Amid Global Energy Crisis
The PSX benchmark KSE-100 index gains over 900 points as investors react to Middle East geopolitical developments and rising global oil prices impacting the energy sector.
Standard Chartered Forecasts ECB Rate Hike for June Amid Energy Price Pressures
Standard Chartered shifts its ECB outlook to predict a 25 basis point rate hike in June 2026, driven by hawkish policymaker remarks and regional energy costs.
State Bank of Pakistan Faces Divided Market Outlook Ahead of April Monetary Policy Decision
As the State Bank of Pakistan prepares for its April 27 Monetary Policy Committee meeting, analysts from AHL and Topline Securities offer differing views on interest rate hikes.
IMF Analysis Reveals Long Term Global Economic Costs of Rising Military Conflicts
Recent IMF data indicates that escalating global conflicts are causing severe economic scarring, rising debt, and permanent output losses for affected nations and neighbors.
Pakistan Hikes Petrol and Diesel Prices to Historic Highs Amid Global Energy Crisis
Federal Ministers Ali Pervaiz Malik and Muhammad Aurangzeb announce massive fuel price increases and new targeted subsidies for bikers, farmers, and transport.
HBL Manufacturing PMI Drops to 52.9 as Regional Conflict Strains Industrial Output
The HBL Pakistan Manufacturing PMI fell to 52.9 in March 2026, signaling a slowdown in industrial growth due to rising inflation and the impact of the US-Iran conflict.
Pakistan Inflation Hits 7.3 Percent in March 2026 as Urban Price Pressures Intensify
Pakistans Consumer Price Index inflation rose to 7.3 percent in March 2026 driven by a sharp 1.2 percent monthly increase and rising wholesale price pressures.