MG Morning Breeze: Updates to Skim before Market

September 18, 2025 (MLN): Morning Breeze aims to lessen the load for its readers by curating noteworthy updates from the preceding day.

• Pakistan, Saudi Arabia sign Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have signed a landmark Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement, pledging that any aggression against either country would be considered an attack on both. Read more

• Fed delivers 25 basis-point rate cut

The Federal Reserve reduced its benchmark interest rate by a quarter percentage or 25 basis point to a target range of 4.00% to 4.25% and indicated that two additional cuts are likely before the end of the year, citing rising risks in the U.S. labor market. Read more

• Auction Result: Govt raises Rs201bn through T-bills

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) conducted an auction of Market Treasury Bills (MTBs) on Wednesday, in which it raised a total of Rs201.86 billion, including both competitive and non-competitive bids. Read more

• Hala Enterprises to increase weaving capacity by 75%

Hala Enterprises Limited is poised for a significant expansion, having established a Letter of Credit for the import of brand new Air Jet Terry Towel weaving machines from Shandong Rifa Textile Machinery Co. Ltd. of China, valued at $217,600. Read more

• PSX Closing Bell: Flatlined but Holding On

KSE100 Index closed Wednesday's trading session at 156,177.81 showing a decrease of 3.13 points. Read more

• PKR strengthens 0.91 paisa against USD

The Pakistani rupee (PKR) appreciated by 0.91 Paisa against the US dollar in Wednesday's interbank session as the currency settled the trade at PKR 281.5037 per USD, compared to the previous session's closing of PKR 281.5128 per USD. Read more

• Gold price in Pakistan falls Rs2,400 per tola

Gold price in Pakistan decreased on Wednesday, with 24-karat gold being sold at Rs388,600 per tola, down Rs2,400. Read more

• Pakistan-IMF talks to begin Sept 25 amid unmet reform targets

Negotiations between Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are scheduled to begin on September 25. Read more

• Gold’s record run stalls with fed policy in focus

Gold prices eased on Wednesday as a firmer U.S. dollar and profit-taking pulled the metal back from record highs hit in the previous session, with investors awaiting the Federal Reserve’s policy decision for further direction. Read more

• Ministry of Commerce engages with auto sector on new trade policy

The Ministry of Commerce is taking a proactive approach to address the concerns of Pakistan's manufacturing industries as the country prepares for a new trade liberalization policy set to begin in Fiscal Year 2026. Read more

• Pakistan, Iran sign key protocols at 22nd JEC, reaffirm $10bn trade goal

Pakistan and Iran concluded the 22nd session of the Joint Economic Commission (JEC) in Tehran on Tuesday with the signing of key protocols, reaffirming their commitment to achieve a bilateral trade target of $10bn. Read more

• PM begins state visit to Saudi Arabia

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif began a state visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia today, following an invitation from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He is accompanied by key members of his cabinet. Read more

• PACRA maintains Nimir Chemicals' ratings

The Pakistan Credit Rating Agency Ltd (PACRA) has maintained the ratings for Nimir Chemical Pakistan Limited (PSX: NICL). The long-term rating remains at "A-" and the short-term rating at "A2", with a stable outlook Read more

• TOMCL secures $7.5m export orders for China

The Organic Meat Company Limited (TOMCL) secured confirmed export orders worth USD 7.5 million for cooked and heat-treated frozen boneless beef to be shipped to China during the financial year 2025-26. Read more

• Oil prices hold steady as Russian supply concerns linger

Oil prices held steady in early trading on Wednesday, after climbing more than 1% in the previous session amid worries about disruptions to Russian supply following drone strikes on ports and refineries. Read more

• Systems limited board approves potential IT services acquisition

On Tuesday, September 16, 2025, Systems Limited's board of directors considered a potential acquisition of an Information Technology (IT) services business. Read more

• FNEL launches Pearl Resorts project with Hashoo Group, Neelishang Hills

First National Equities Limited’s (PSX:FNEL) wholly-owned subsidiary, FNE Developments (Pvt.) Ltd., has launched a landmark real estate and tourism development at Pearl Resorts, in strategic collaboration with Neelishang Hills and the Hashoo Group. Read more

• Asia markets mixed ahead of fed policy decision

Asia market equities delivered a mixed performance on Wednesday as investors tracked Wall Street’s overnight pullback and awaited the outcome of the U.S. Federal Reserve’s two-day policy meeting, where a rate cut is widely anticipated. Read more

• NETSOL transfers 241,828 treasury shares to employees under ESOS

NETSOL Technologies Limited (PSX:NETSOL) has successfully transferred 241,828 treasury shares to eligible employees under its Employees Stock Option Scheme (ESOS), as part of its ongoing efforts to align employee interests with shareholder value and promote long-term commitment. Read more