Pakistan takes over SCO Interbank Consortium chair for 2026-27
Pakistan has assumed the chairmanship of the SCO Interbank Consortium for 2026-27, with HBL's Sultan Ali Allana at the helm, alongside its overall SCO chair.
Economy
The latest Economy news, reporting and analysis from The Indus Compass.
Pakistan weighs tokenising its Eurobond debt, finance minister says
Finance Minister Aurangzeb said Pakistan is reviewing tokenising its existing Eurobonds and will seek cabinet approval before inviting proposals.
Weekly inflation at 11.32pc as tomato prices jump 35pc in a week
Pakistan's weekly SPI inflation was 11.32pc year on year in the week to Oct 29; tomatoes rose nearly 35pc in a week and LPG is more than double last year's.
US Fed holds rates steady, hints more hikes may come
The Federal Reserve kept its rate at 3.75-4pc in a 10-2 vote before the US midterms; markets see an 80pc chance of a hike in December.
World Bank: commodity prices to jump 23pc this year on war shocks
The World Bank expects commodity prices to rise 23pc in 2026 on the Middle East war and grain disruption, and warns of a food crisis if shocks combine
PM sets Rs4,500 per maund wheat price for 2027, up Rs1,000
PM Shehbaz Sharif set the wheat price at Rs4,500 per maund for 2027, Rs1,000 more than last year, but farmers had asked for Rs5,000 per 40kg.
Weekly inflation rises to 11.85pc as LPG, chicken and flour climb
Weekly inflation reached 11.85 per cent in the week to October 22, with LPG up 22pc in a week and 107pc on the year, and flour 36pc above last year.
IMF sees region including Pakistan shrinking 1.3pc this year due to Iran war
The IMF expects output in the Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan region to contract 1.3pc in 2026 because of the Iran war, then rebound 6.6pc in 2027.
World Bank says Pakistan could triple incomes by 2050 with faster reforms
The World Bank says Pakistan could grow up to 6.9pc a year and reach Vietnam's income level by 2050 with faster reforms; per capita growth is stuck at 1.6pc.
Rs750 prize bond draw 108 result: 15 October 2026 winning numbers
Bond 347425 won the Rs1.5m first prize in Rs750 prize bond draw 108, held in Rawalpindi on 15 October 2026. Second prizes went to 007447, 827353 and 876615.
Analysts split on SBP rate call with inflation seen at 10pc in October
Growth Securities expects 10pc inflation in October and a 50-100bps rate rise on October 26, while AKD Securities sees the State Bank holding rates.
Cotton ginners threaten nationwide shutdown over FBR raids in Sindh
Cotton ginners warned of a nationwide shutdown over FBR raids in Sindh, as exporters told the commerce minister that energy and tax costs are hurting them.
Behbood Savings Certificate rate raised to 12.96pc: new national savings rates
Profit rates on Behbood, pensioners' and Shuhada accounts rose to 12.96pc from October 21, with higher returns on Regular Income and Defence certificates.