- Pakistan Rupee (PKR) falls, domestic equities rise
- WTI gains over 4.7% so far this week
- US Dollar (USD) rises as treasury yields jump
- Jobless claims & ISM non-manufacturing PMI in focus
The US Dollar Pakistan Rupee (USD/PKR) exchange rate is on the rise on Thursday, paring losses from the previous session. The pair settled on Wednesday -0.1% at 160.10. At 10:15 UTC, USD/PKR trades +0.2% at 160.55, at the top of the daily traded range.
The Pakistan Rupee has appreciated by 1.4% versus the US Dollar in the first quarter of the current fiscal year, this is a lower rate than the 2.4% increase seen in the same period last year, according to the State Bank of Pakistan.
Domestic equities trended higher. The Karachi 100 benchmark index closed +0.56% higher at 45,405. Foreign investors were net buyer of shares worth $1.372 million.
Oil is extending gains for a third straight session. West Texas Intermediate trades +0.4% at $50.83 and has gained over 4.7% across the week so far after OPEC+ group announced a surprise output cut earlier on Tuesday.
The US Dollar is gaining ground across the board following a Democratic win in the Senate Runoffs in Georgia. This means that the Democrats will have the Presidency as well as control of the lower house and the Senate in a so-called Blue wave.
This paves an easier path for President Joe Biden to push through his policies and legislation, including more stimulus. The prospect of additional stimulus has sent US Treasury yields higher lifting the US Dollar.
The markets have brushed off the unprecedented invasion of Capitol Hill, viewing the latest and most extraordinary act of the Trump presidency as a passing phase that won’t disrupt the transfer of power.
Looking ahead the US economic calendar sees the release of jobless claims, Challenger job cuts and the ISM non-manufacturing PMI. These releases will provide clues ahead of tomorrow’s key non-farm payroll report.
