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Gold clings to gain but caution prevails ahead of Fed meeting

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  • Gold price settles at Rs151,550 per tola.
  • Price is determined keeping in view its prices in world markets.
  • Investors wait for clues on US rate hike.

KARACHI: Gold retained overnight gains in Pakistan on Wednesday in line with the international market but caution prevailed ahead of a Federal Reserve policy statement later tonight as investors waited for clues on US rate hike.

Data released by the All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association (APSGJA) showed that the price of gold rose by Rs450 per tola and Rs386 per 10 grams to settle at Rs151,550 and Rs129,930, respectively.

Pakistan is a small market for gold at the global level. It meets the commodity’s demand through imports as it does not produce the precious metal locally.

Accordingly, the gold price for local markets is determined by keeping in view its prices in world markets, rupee-dollar exchange rate, and demand and supply in domestic markets. 

The latest price for local markets was determined to keep in view the prices at which trade took place among buyers and sellers.

In the international market, the price of the yellow metal rose by $2 per ounce settling at $1,655 as the dollar weakened, but they held to a tight range with investors reluctant to place big bets before the US Federal Reserve’s rate decision later in the day.

The Fed is due to release its policy statement at 2pm EDT (1800 GMT) and is widely expected to raise its benchmark overnight interest rate by 75 basis points, the fourth such increase in a row.

Traders will be looking out for the Fed’s commentary on future rate hikes amid growing optimism that the US central bank will slow rate increases from December.

Should the Fed pivot narrative be vindicated this week, then spot gold would have a high chance of touching $1,700 over the immediate term.

Gold bulls’ shoulders would slump if the Fed quashes the notion that policymakers are letting up in their ongoing battle against inflation.

The precious commodity’s rates in Pakistan are around Rs1,500 below the cost compared to the rate in the Dubai market.

Meanwhile, silver prices in the domestic market remained unchanged at Rs1,590 per tola and Rs1,363.13 per 10 grams.

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In interbank trade, the Pakistani rupee beats the US dollar.

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In the international exchange market, the US dollar has continued to weaken in relation to the Pakistani rupee.

The dollar fell to Rs278.10 from Rs278.17 at the beginning of interbank trading, according to currency dealers, a seven paisa loss.

In the meantime, there was a lot of turbulence in the stock market, but it recovered and moved into the positive zone. The KSE-100 index recovered momentum and reached 116,000 points after soaring 1,300 points.

Both currency and stock market swings, according to analysts, are a reflection of ongoing market adjustments and economic uncertainty.

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Phase II of CPEC: China-Pakistan Partnership Enters a New Era

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The cornerstone of economic cooperation between the two brothers and all-weather friends is still the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, the initiative’s flagship project.

In contrast to reports of a slowdown, recent events indicate a renewed vigour and strategic emphasis on pushing the second phase of CPEC, known as CPEC Phase-2, according to the Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives.

According to the statement, this crucial stage seeks to reshape the foundation of bilateral ties via increased cooperation, cutting-edge technology transfer, and revolutionary socioeconomic initiatives.

Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal is leading Pakistan’s participation in a number of high-profile gatherings in China, such as the 3rd Forum on China-Indian Ocean Region Development Cooperation in Kunming and the High-Level Seminar on CPEC-2 in Beijing.

His involvement demonstrates Pakistan’s commitment to reviving CPEC, resolving outstanding concerns, and developing a strong phase-2 roadmap that considers both countries’ long-term prosperity.

At the core of these interactions is China’s steadfast determination to turn CPEC into a strategic alliance that promotes development, progress, and connectivity.

Instead of being marginalised, CPEC is developing into a multifaceted framework with five main thematic corridors: the Opening-Up/Regional Connectivity Corridor, the Innovation Corridor, the Green Corridor, the Growth Corridor, and the Livelihood-Enhancing Corridor.

With the help of projects like these, the two countries will fortify their partnership, and CPEC phase-2 will become a model of global economic integration and collaboration that benefits not just China and Pakistan but the entire region.

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The inflation rate in Pakistan dropped to its lowest level.

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On December 2, core inflation as determined by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) significantly slowed, falling to 4.9% in November 2024 from 7.2 percent in October 2024.

The CPI-based inflation rate for the same month last year (November 2023) was 29.2%, according to PBS data.

Compared to a 1.2% gain in the prior month, it increased by 0.5% month over month in November 2024.

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