Currency: Rupee strengthens against dollar

The rupee closed at 98.09/98.14 against the dollar, compared to Tuesday’s close of 98.12/98.17.

KARACHI:
The rupee strengthened in the interbank market on Wednesday, closing at 98.09/98.14 against the dollar, compared to Tuesday’s close of 98.12/98.17. Pakistan made another loan repayment to the International Monetary Fund of $392 million on February 26, the central bank said. Heavy debt repayments to the IMF have been putting a dent in the central bank’s reserves, which have declined by nearly 20% in the current fiscal year. The next IMF repayment of $391 million is due at the end of May. Meanwhile, overseas Pakistani workers have so far remitted $8.21 billion in the ongoing fiscal year, a growth of 10.4% year-on year, or $770.41 million. Monthly average remittances for the first seven months of the fiscal year clocked in at $1.17 billion as compared to $1.06 billion during the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year. Overnight rates in the money market rose to 9.40% from Tuesday’s close of 9%.


Published in The Express Tribune, February 28th, 2013.

Like Business on Facebook to stay informed and join in the conversation.
Load Next Story