MG Morning Breeze: Updates to Skim before Market

August 15, 2025 (MLN): Morning Breeze aims to lessen the load for its readers by curating noteworthy updates from the preceding day.

• SBP Sees Economic Recovery Gaining Momentum, Forecasts Growth Up to 4.25% in FY26

SBP projects economic growth, stable inflation, and rising reserves in latest Monetary Policy Report Read more

• Gold gains as traders eye possible fed cut in September

Gold spot prices increased by 0.17% ($5.85) at $3,359.64 per ounce, as of [4:45 am PST] from the prior day's close Read more

• PKR strengthens 20 paisa against USD

The Pakistani rupee (PKR) gained by 19.52 paisa or 0.07% against the US dollar in Wednesday's interbank session to settle the trade at PKR 282.22 per USD, compared to previous closing of 282.42. Read more

• Meezan Bank half-year profit falls nearly 10%

Meezan Bank Limited (PSX: MEBL) shared its financial results for the half-year ended June 30, 2025 (1HF25), reporting a profit after tax of Rs47.14 billion, down 9.66% from Rs52.12bn recorded in the same period last year. Read more

• PSX Closing Bell: A Minor Setback

The benchmark KSE-100 Index concluded Wednesday's trading session at 146,529.30, showing a decrease of 476.02 points or 0.32%. Read more

• HMB posts slight half-year profit rise

Habib Metropolitan Bank Limited (PSX: HMB) reported a profit after taxation of Rs12.01 billion for the half-year ended June 30, 2025, marking a marginal increase of 0.36% compared to Rs11.96bn in the same period last year. Read more

• Gold price in Pakistan falls Rs200 per tola

Gold price in Pakistan decreased on Wednesday, with 24-karat gold being sold at Rs358,100 per tola, down Rs200. Read more

• Inventory build in U.S. caps oil price moves

Oil prices steadied on Wednesday, following a decline in the previous session, after industry data revealed a rise in U.S. crude inventories last week, signaling that the seasonal peak in summer demand is approaching its end. Read more

• Moody's upgrades Pakistan rating

Global credit rating agency Moody’s on Wednesday raised Pakistan’s sovereign credit rating by one notch, upgrading it from Caa2 to Caa1 and shifted its outlook from “positive” to “stable,” citing an improved external position and ongoing economic reforms. Read more

• IMF visit next month could unlock $1bn for Pakistan

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team is scheduled to arrive in Pakistan next month to review the country’s economic performance, sources revealed. Read more

• Perplexity AI bids $34.5bn for Google Chrome

Artificial intelligence startup Perplexity AI has made an unsolicited $34.5 billion bid for Google’s Chrome browser, CNBC confirmed. Read more

• PM declares 100,000 laptops for talented students

Pakistan has declared it will distribute 100,000 free laptops among talented students across the country on merit, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif said. Read more

• VIS reaffirms ratings of J.K. Spinning Mills Limited at A-

VIS Credit Rating Company Limited has reaffirmed the long-term and short-term entity ratings of J.K. Spinning Mills Limited (PSX: JKSM) at A- and A1, respectively, with a stable outlook. Read more

• Crescent Star plans acquisition of SG Power Ltd

Crescent Star Insurance Limited (PSX:CSIL), to acquire 6,785,236 ordinary shares and control of SG Power Limited, has submitted its intention through Intermarket Securities Limited, exceeding the thresholds prescribed under Section 111 of the Securities Act, 2015. Read more

• Mughal Energy completes hydro test for 36.5 MW hybrid plant

Mughal Energy Limited (GEM) (PSX: GEMMEL) has reported the successful completion of the hydro testing phase for its 36.50 MW Hybrid Power Plant, marking a key milestone in the project’s development Read more

• Pakistan, Azerbaijan cultural ties gain momentum with new initiatives

The full implementation of the Cultural Exchange Program 2024–2029 signed during the state visit of the President of Azerbaijan to Pakistan, has been emphasized as part of efforts to deepen bilateral cultural cooperation. Read more

• PM orders completion of 100 MW solar project in GB

To complete the one hundred megawatts solar project in Gilgit-Baltistan within a year, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has issued directives. Read more

• New seed sector reforms prioritize farmer welfare

The government has stated that all new seed companies will be licensed strictly under the amended Seed Act, enforcing stringent requirements for infrastructure readiness, financial guarantees, and verified compliance with quality standards. Read more

• Saudi Riyal available at PKR 75.85 in open market

The current exchange rates for the Saudi Riyal (SAR), UAE Dirham (AED), and Qatari Riyal (QAR) against the Pakistani Rupee (PKR) as of [10 am PST] remained unchanged in today’s session, reflecting a stable trend. Read more

• Govt weighs digital product passport for textile exports

The government is set to explore the adoption of a Digital Product Passport (DPP) for textile exports, a move aimed at enhancing transparency, traceability and compliance in the global supply chain Read more

• Pakistan calls for strategic overhaul of global plastic consumption

Pakistan has put forward two major proposals under the Global Plastic Treaty, The Extended Consumer Responsibility (ECR) Framework and a Global Plastics Credit Market aimed at tackling global plastic pollution while ensuring fairness for developing nations. Read more

• Bitcoin, ether surge as prices hit multi-year peaks

Bitcoin has edged closer to its all-time high after an overnight rally that also propelled ether to levels not seen since 2021, with the leading cryptocurrency currently trading at $119,434. Read more

• Gatron pulls out of NFL,G&T scheme

Gatron Industries Limited (PSX: GATI) has shared that it has withdrawn its approval for a proposed Scheme of Arrangement involving Nova Frontiers Limited (NFL) and Ghani & Tayub (Private) Limited (G&T), following the decision of both companies to terminate the plan. Read more

• Asia stocks rise on Fed rate cut hopes

Asia-Pacific markets opened higher on Wednesday, following Wall Street’s surge after fresh U.S. inflation data strengthened expectations of a Federal Reserve interest rate cut next month. Read more

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