- Pakistan Rupee (PKR) extends losses for 4th session
- Karachi 100 closes higher, WTI pares earlier losses
- US Dollar (USD) rises on safe haven flows
- FOMC rate announcement tomorrow
The US Dollar Pakistan Rupee (USD/PKR) exchange rate is edging mildly higher, extending gains for a fourth straight session. The pair settled +0.2% on Monday at 160.70. At 10:15 UTC, USD trades +0.06% at 160.80.
The Pakistan Rupee is under pressure in risk off trade amid growing concerns over the prospects of the huge US stimulus package being agreed by the US Congress and the timeframe that could be involved.
Deteriorating risk appetite is hitting demand for riskier currencies such as the Pakistan Rupee, whilst boosting demand for the safe haven US Dollar. US futures are pointing to a weaker start on the open reflecting the risk off trade, although Pakistan’s benchmark index managed the claw higher.
Oil prices are on the rise. West Texas Intermediate trades +0.8% at $52.20 after a weaker start as investors shrug off concerns over rising covid cases and tighter lockdown restrictions.
Doubts are emerging over President Biden’s ability to push his $1.9 trillion covid stimulus bill through Congress as some Republicans raise concerns over the sheer size of the bill. Furthermore, Democrat Majority leader Chuck Schumer warned that a comprehensive deal could be between 4-6 weeks away.
Looking ahead the Federal Reserve monetary policy announcement is due on Wednesday. The Fed is not expected to adjust monetary policy at this meeting even though recent US data has been decidedly downbeat and as pandemic risks remain elevated.
Even so the FOMC is expected to err on the side of optimism as the Democrats now have control over Congress meaning that the prospects of more fiscal stimulus are much improved. Furthermore, with the vaccine deployment expected to pick up in the coming weeks the outlook is starting to improve.
