Category: Business

BEIJING (Agencies): China’s economy is showing signs of cooling further as the U.S. prepares even tougher trade tariffs, with investment growth slowing to a record low and consumers turning more cautious about spending, data showed on Tuesday.

Fixed-asset investment expanded by a less-than-expected 5.5 percent in January-July, a result of Beijing’s crackdown on lavish local government borrowing for projects to boost growth.

Industrial output also undershot expectations, weighed down by pollution curbs and the uncertain trade outlook, adding to expectations that authorities will roll out more policy stimulus measures.

With the trade war threatening more pressure on China’s already slowing economy, Beijing has shifted its focus to boosting domestic demand and is taking a more measured approach in its campaign to reduce financial risks and debt, which has pushed up borrowing costs and triggered a rising number of defaults.

The government has pledged to ramp up spending on railways and roads — its traditional “go-to” approach when the economy slows — while the central bank is pumping more money into the system and urging banks to offer more loans at cheaper rates to small businesses.

New yuan loans exceeded expectations in July, statistics showed on Monday, in one of the few bright spots in the most recent data.

With the economy shifting into lower gear even without a trade shock, Capital Economics has predicted China’s central bank will soon cut its official lending rate for the first time since 2015, though most analysts predict a more modest but steady stream of support measures in coming months.

The Shanghai “Nifty 50” stock index fell about 0.8 percent after the disappointing data, which added to a sour mood in global financial markets.

The pace of fixed asset investment was the weakest on record going back to early 1996, according to data on Reuters Eikon. Investment had been expected to grow 6.0 percent in the first seven months of the year, steady from January-June.

For July, fixed-asset investment grew 3.0 percent from a year earlier.

Retail sales also missed expectations, with Chinese consumers more reluctant to spend on everything from cosmetics and other everyday goods to big-ticket items such as home appliances and furniture.

Sales rose 8.8 percent in July from a year earlier, below an expected 9.1 percent and down from 9.0 percent in June, despite a broad import tax cut that kicked in last month.

It was not clear if consumer reluctance was due to softening local conditions or worries about the U.S. trade war. A Reuters straw poll of Chinese consumers found nearly one in three want to stop buying U.S. products now and some are already boycotting made-in-America goods.

Industrial output also failed to pick up as expected. It rose 6.0 percent in July, missing analysts’ estimates for 6.3 percent and unchanged from June.

While China’s trade and inflation have shown limited impact from U.S. tariffs so far, it is early days. Business surveys point to weakening export orders and there are concerns that a protracted trade battle could produce a sharper Chinese slowdown than expected just a few months ago.

China and the United States have slapped tariffs on each other’s goods and more are due to kick in next week, with few signs that either side is in the mood to compromise.

In one of the few encouraging spots in the data, private sector fixed-asset investment rose 8.8 percent in January-July, picking up from 8.4 percent in the first half. It accounts for about 60 percent of overall investment in China.

But growth in infrastructure spending, a powerful economic driver, slowed to 5.7 percent in the first seven months from 7.3 percent.

Still, there were early signs that Beijing’s shift to supporting growth may already be offering some cushion.

Real estate investment jumped 13.2 percent in July on-year, the fastest in nearly two years and higher than June’s 8.4 percent rise, according to Reuters calculations.

New construction starts jumped 32.4 percent on-year, likely buoyed by stronger home sales, improved funding conditions for cash-strapped developers and the government’s heavy spending on public housing.

Infrastructure loans also rebounded sharply in July to 172.4 billion yuan ($25.05 billion) the banking and insurance regulator said on Saturday.

The Politburo said last month it would achieve this year’s target of around 6.5 percent, despite risks to growth. Last year it expanded 6.9 percent.

The shift to stimulus measures has raised fears among some China watchers that Beijing is returning to its old playbook of debt-fueled growth, undermining its multi-year push to reduce riskier lending practices and a mountain of debt.

But unless conditions deteriorate markedly, most economists believe Beijing will stick with its deleveraging campaign, albeit at a more cautious pace, as it waits to see how the trade dispute plays out.

For now, a return to massive money printing like that seen during the global financial crisis, which would risk a further debt blowout, does not seem to be on the cards.

SINGAPORE (Agencies): Oil prices inched up on Tuesday after a report from OPEC confirmed that top exporter Saudi Arabia had cut production to avert looming oversupply, although concerns over a slowdown in economic growth kept a lid on markets.

U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were up 25 cents, or 0.4 percent, at $67.45 per barrel.

In July, Saudi Arabia told the producer group of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) that it had curbed production by 200,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 10.288 million bpd.

The cut comes amid expected export declines from Iran once the United States re-imposes sanctions on Tehran’s petroleum industry from November.

OPEC’s monthly report published on Monday, which uses data from secondary sources, confirmed the Saudi cut, which traders said triggered crude’s upward move early on Tuesday.

That came despite the Saudi move coming in anticipation of a slowdown in oil demand.

The OPEC report said it expected world oil demand to grow by 1.43 million bpd in 2019, down from 1.64 million bpd in 2018.

OPEC said the demand slowdown would come on the back of potentially lower economic growth as a result of trade disputes between the United States and China as well as emerging market turmoil.

China’s economy is showing further signs of cooling as the U.S. prepares to impose even tougher trade tariffs, with investment in the first seven months of the year slowing to a record low and retail sales softening, data showed on Tuesday.

MUMBAI (AFP): The Indian rupee hit a record low of 70 to the dollar on Tuesday as emerging market currencies are sold off by investors spooked by the Turkish financial crisis.

The under-pressure rupee touched 70.09 briefly during mid-morning trade as fears grow that the plight of Turkey´s lira will spread to other emerging countries.

South Africa, Argentina, Mexico, Brazil and Russia have all seen their currencies slip over the past week because, like Turkey, they remain heavily dependent on foreign capital, especially the dollar.

The rupee has been on a downward spiral throughout 2018 after starting the year at 63.67.

India is a massive net importer of oil, securing more than two-thirds of its needs from abroad.

Analysts say the high crude prices are squeezing the Indian currency, making it less appealing to investors.

The fall in the rupee is leading to a widening of India´s current account deficit, when the value of imports exceeds the value of exports, they say.

F.P. Report

LAHORE: Senior Vice President SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry and central chairman United Business Group (UBG) Iftikhar Ali Malik Monday asked Prime Minister designate Imran Khan to slap a complete ban on import of luxury items to protect foreign exchange reserves which will also promote local industry and generate employment and be Pakistani buy Pakistani.

Addressing a meeting of traders in connection with Independence Day here in the provincial capital, he said independence was attained after offering colossal sacrifices offered by our elders and there is no substitute in the world for freedom so we all should play our vital role making Pakistan an economic giant and citadel of Islam to make it corruption free welfare Islamic state in the comity of nation.

Iftikhar Ali Malik said that authorities can consider a ban on imports like many other countries including Iran, Nigeria, and Egypt have experienced the same. “Pakistan is importing eighty thousand luxury cars and thousands of costly motorcycles and countless other items even fruits and vegetables worth billions of dollars annually which must be banned,” he added.

The SVP SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that Pakistan needs seven to eight percent transformational growth in next ten years to mobilize the resources for social uplift of backward areas of the country and create jobs for growing youth population. The import bill reached record $60.86bn in 2017-18 from $52.9bn in the previous year, reflecting an increase of 15 per cent. Yet the country’s trade deficit reached a historic $37.6bn in 2017-18 from $32.5bn in the previous year.

Iftikhar Malik said that increasing regulatory duty on imports or banning imports could only work when smuggling is controlled otherwise all such efforts remain counterproductive.

He said that government should inform the masses about the benefits of the trade deals with partner countries before signing new deals. Giving suggestions to promote exports, he also said Pakistani brands have a potential to meet international consumers’ needs which only requires adequate promotional strategy to reach the targeted foreign audience and UBG will play its role to promote made in Pakistan products with cooperation of the coming PTI government at both local and international level with this mission motto, “be Pakistan and buy Pakistani products”.

He said stable economy is prerequisite for the survival of the country and promotion of democracy. He is much optimistic that the coming PTI government would take private sector into confidence for implementation of business friendly policies. He said if the PTI government properly utilizes the talents of the youth, he would be optimistic that Pakistan can be among top 10 economies by the end of 2040.

He said that unabated imports have taken a toll on the local industry while many industries are fighting for their survival including the soap industry providing jobs to over two hundred thousand people and providing Rs17 billion in the revenue.

Iftikhar Malik hoped that a strong political will under Imran’s leadership can lead to economic growth and poverty elimination in the SAARC region besides integration of the intra-trade, travel and tourism.

He said last year, the State Bank of Pakistan had also announced 100pc cash margin restrictions on the import of 131 items to discourage import of non-essential items.

The SVP SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that agro based industry has vast potential to be fully exploited besides rapid industrialization can bring green revolution to steer the country out of financial crunch.

He said prudent economic policies will definitely pay dividends. He said UBG will support all growth oriented business friendly policies provided private sector was taken into confidence prior to framing such policies.

F.P. Report

KARACHI: Recently, the State Bank had revised the instructions relating to advance payment facility allowed to importers through Authorized Dealers and had also restricted the import on open account basis to manufacturing and industrial users for import of spare parts/raw materials only.

In view of representations made by a number of stakeholders, it has been decided that the restrictions earlier imposed on advance payment against imports shall not apply on letters of credit (containing clause regarding advance payment) established on or before July 14, 2018.

Further, the conditions regarding issuance of shipping documents on or before July 20, 2018 and filing of Goods Declaration with Pakistan Customs by August 10, 2018 shall not apply in cases where consignments had gated-in/entered the ports of shipment on or before July 20, 2018.

The State Bank has accordingly advised the Authorized Dealers through EPD Circular Letter No. 12 dated August 13, 2018.

 

 

F.P. Report

KARACHI: The Board of Directors of Silkbank Limited in their meeting held on August 13, 2018 declared an Operating Profit of Rs. 1.729 billion, with Profit after tax of Rs.746 million for the half year ended June 30, 2018, reflecting a significant increase of 75% over the same period last year.

Net interest income grew by Rs.711 million for the half year ended June 30, 2018 reflecting a growth of 27% over the corresponding period last year. Non-funded Income (NFI) for the half year showed a growth of 32% over the same period last year.

Gross advances have shown a growth of Rs. 8.19 billion, higher by 9% versus December 2017.

Deposits substantially increased by Rs. 15.1 billion or 13.7% growth over December 2017, taking the total deposit base to Rs.125.36 billion.

The robust deposit growth reflects increased customer confidence in the Bank. CASA ratio improved from 61.46% in December 2017 to 63.83% in June 2018, which contributed towards reduced cost of funds and higher profitability.

 

F.P. Report

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s largest microfinance bank, Khushhali Microfinance Bank (KMBL) celebrated its 18th anniversary. Inaugurated in 2000, Khushhali Microfinance Bank operates through a network of 158 branches and 28 service centers across Pakistan. Having serviced over 6 million loans to date, Khushhalibank takes pride in its legacy of providing access to finance to marginalized segment of the population, males and females alike, to invest in microenterprises for a better future and realize their economic potential.

To continue improving lives and contributing towards financial Inclusion in Pakistan, Khushhalibank is now Investing in digitizing its financial services to further expand the scope of its services. For 18 years, KMBL has enabled easy access to working capital requirements for farmers, self-employed individuals, and home-based workers. The bank also provides free of cost effective trainings in creating financial literacy by incentivizing positive credit behavior through access to better borrowing terms.

Talking on the occasion, Ghalib Nishtar, President, Khushhali Microfinance Bank, said: “Our vision is to be a premiere Microfinance Institution in Pakistan. We are committed to provide a full array of superior products and services through our expert bankers and set a precedent of providing microfinance banking being the first licensed bank in Pakistan.”

“We’ve also outlined the three “Ps” of digital success – product, people, and process. As the banking sector becomes increasingly competitive, with tech giants and fintech innovators challenging the established institutions, maximizing efficiency is becoming even more important.” he further added.

To mark its 18th anniversary, Khushhalibank carried out a ‘Plant Khushhali’ campaign across all its branches nationwide. Every employee participated by planting a tree sapling. More than 4,500 saplings were planted by the KMBL family to commemorate the anniversary. The campaign also symbolizes the bank’s holistic commitment towards the country’s development that goes beyond the provision of its banking services.

As of June 30, 2018, Khushhalibank has nearly 2.0 million active depositors, and more than 700,000 active borrowers, making it the largest microfinance bank in Pakistan.

 

F.P. Report

ISLAMABAD: Over the last one year, Fauji Cement Company Limited has undertaken massive Tree Plantation around the plant. Approximately ten thousand fruit and other trees were planted. Besides, almost same number of trees were distributed to adjacent villages. This effort has made the environment around the plant evermore green and clean.​
This year, FCCL management decided to utilize 14th August as Tree Plantation Day involving School Children, Locals and Factory Workers. Over 6,000 trees of various types will be planted through a well-organized campaign. MD / CEO FCCL, Lt. Gen. Muhammad Ahsan Mahmood, HI (M) (Retd) personally participated in the event.​
Cleaner and Greener Pakistan drive is bound to reduce the adverse weather effects and accordingly inspired the employees and the locals to take part in it. Trees remain a critical segment of our environment and rightly known as the lungs of the planet. We remain conscious that one tree contributes the cooling effect of approximately 1000 BTUS and accordingly FCCL on this 14th august is planting over 5,000 trees for the love of earth.

 

LONDON (AFP): Britain’s economy picked up speed to outpace the eurozone in the second quarter despite mounting concerns over Brexit, official data showed on Friday, helped partly by sunny weather and the World Cup football tournament.

Gross domestic product — the value of all goods and services produced in an economy — grew 0.4 per cent in the three months to the end of June, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said in a statement. That was in line with market expectations, Britain, which is scheduled to leave the European Union next March, saw its economic activity outpace the eurozone which grew 0.3pc in the same period.

Retail sales and construction in Britain were boosted by warm weather.

The economy meanwhile appeared to shrug off a string of company collapses on the high street, including budget chain Poundworld and electrical retailer Maplin.

World Cup revellers sent the cash tills ringing as manager Gareth Southgate’s England team progressed to the semi-finals at the tournament held in Russia.

“The pick-up in quarter two reflects, to some extent, consumers taking advantage of the warm weather and World Cup celebrations,” the ONS said on Friday.

However, it also sounded a cautious note amid ongoing Brexit uncertainty – and stuttering trade talks between London and Brussels.

“Abstracting from these quarterly movements, the underlying trend in real GDP is one of slowing growth,” the ONS warned.

The UK growth rate nevertheless marked an acceleration from 0.2-pc expansion in the first quarter, when GDP slid on frosty weather and heavy snowfall from the so-called Beast from the East.

“The economy picked up a little in the second quarter with both retail sales and construction helped by the good weather and rebounding from the effects of the snow earlier in the year,” said Rob Kent-Smith, ONS head of national accounts.

“However, manufacturing continued to fall back from its high point at the end of last year and underlying growth remained modest by historical standards.”

Friday’s news came one week after the Bank of England raised British interest rates by a quarter-point to 0.75pc to help tame high inflation – and upgraded its 2019 economic growth forecast despite investor fears of a chaotic no-deal Brexit.

The BoE also maintained its 2018 economic outlook, describing a first quarter slowdown as “temporary” with momentum set to recover in the second quarter despite widespread trade-linked worries over the global economy.