Hello, and welcome to our weekly note. This was a busy week for market watchers, covered here day by day, in simple words.
The week’s biggest story was the State Bank’s decision. On Monday, the State Bank raised its policy rate by 50 basis points to 12%, and the market took it in its stride: after early selling, the KSE-100 recovered to close 664 points higher at 163,038. The recovery then gathered pace. Tuesday’s rally was narrow — heavyweights did most of the lifting — but Wednesday’s was broader, taking the index to 165,737, and Thursday’s rally carried it to 167,193. On Friday, profit-taking ended the run, with the index falling 784 points to 166,409.
Gold gave readers a second story to follow. It jumped Rs3,500 per tola on Wednesday to Rs425,636 as the world price crossed $4,000 again, held steady on Thursday, and then fell sharply on Friday — down Rs5,100 to Rs420,536. Oil stayed high all week, with Brent crude between about $114 and $116 a barrel. Abroad, central banks were also in focus: the US Federal Reserve held its rates, the European Central Bank held at 2.50% as its chief announced an early exit, and the Bank of Canada raised its rate to 2.50%.
What we published this week: from Saturday 24 to Friday 30 October, we published 139 posts — 137 news and 2 blogs. Daily market reports followed every PSX session, from Monday’s rebound to Friday’s profit-taking. We covered the State Bank’s decisions in plain language, including what its new Rs20 billion minimum capital rule for banks means for savers, and our world coverage followed the central-bank week, the Tehran talks, and the Israel election.
Our two blogs explained, not advised. “Why Does the Dollar Get Expensive? Understanding Its Effect on the Rupee” explained why the rupee moves against the dollar. “Why Petrol Prices Keep Changing: How the Global Oil Market Reaches Your Tank” traced the journey from a barrel of Brent crude to the price at the pump.
Coming next week: we plan the same rhythm — a daily market report after each session, short briefs through the day, and explainers on readers’ most-asked topics. We will be watching the October inflation figures, the PSX after Friday’s pullback, and whether gold steadies after its Friday fall. No promises on timing — just steady coverage, in simple words.
One question for you, our readers: which topic would you like explained next — interest rates, gold, or how company results move share prices? Tell us in the comments; we will take up the most-requested topic first.
Thank you for reading. This note is for information only, not investment advice.