Asian stock markets have shown a mixed trend at the start of the trading week, with some markets experiencing a decline and others witnessing an increase. Japan’s key Nikkei Index recorded a 0.37% decline, bringing the index to 53,620 points. Australia’s ASX also saw a 0.35% decline, trading at 8,587 points.
In contrast, India’s Sensex recorded a 0.4% increase, trading at 77,897 points. China’s Shanghai Index, the main stock market index in the country, saw a 0.71% decline, bringing the index to 4,066 points. On the other hand, the Hang Seng Index in Hong Kong recorded a 1.13% increase, bringing the index to 25,754 points. South Korea’s Kospi also saw a 0.85% increase, bringing the index to 5,533 points.
According to a statement, the new strategy focuses on three key sectors. The 100 Index closed at 1,50,016 points on the last trading day. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is affecting the prices of cotton in Pakistan. Despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the increasing tension, the prices of gold in the global market did not see a significant increase.
In a statement, the Ministry of Finance said that Pakistan’s current account surplus for February stood at $427 million. The State Bank of Pakistan has released data on foreign investment. The Strait of Hormuz carries about 20% of the world’s oil, and the tension has affected oil supplies, putting pressure on Asian countries. The global market price of gold fell by $18 to $5,000 per ounce. The authorities announced that they had postponed two cargo shipments per month this year, and the supply of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) from Qatar was completely stopped from March 2.
The Secretary of Petroleum said that the tension in the Middle East has affected oil supplies. The Chairman of the Cotton Ginners Forum, Ihsan ul Haq, said that the trend of increasing cotton prices is accelerating. On the last trading day of the week, the 100 Index closed at 1,53,866 points. The prices of gold in the exchange markets of Pakistan have fallen for the third consecutive day.
The Director General of the ISP, Raza Baqir, said that the Taliban in Afghanistan used drones against Pakistan, which were provided by India. Iranian missiles hit several areas in Israel. A message on Instagram shared by Usman Khawaja announced that his third daughter, Amira Maya, was born on March 13.
The Israeli President described the new Iranian ballistic missile as a major challenge. Russia has sent a message of condolence to Ali Larijani, the head of the Iranian National Security Council, who passed away.
According to a government news agency, a large number of government officials, military leaders, and people from different social classes attended the funeral.
