How Stock Markets Respond to Political Crises: Pakistan in 2023 

Supporters of Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan block a highway, during a protest against his arrest, in Karachi, Pakistan May 9, 2023. REUTERS/Akhtar Soomro REFILE - QUALITY REPEAT

Political crises often coincide with economic uncertainty. Investors begin shying away from stock markets to avoid potential losses. They tend to sell their stocks. Such uncertainty therefore often leads to increased volatility and a decrease in stock prices. A political crisis that is limited in scope and has a clear resolution may have a minimal impact on the stock market. However, a political crisis that threatens the stability of a country or region, such as a coup or civil unrest, can lead to a significant decline in the stock market.

During times of turmoil, the economic landscape usually deteriorates as delays and disagreements derail policy-making. A solid macroeconomic foundation may see the market quickly rebound once conditions stabilize. Countries with strong economies and stable financial systems may be able to weather political crises without significant declines in their stock markets. In contrast, countries with fragile financial systems may be more vulnerable to long-term damages. For detailed reports on Pakistan’s economy, visit our LinkedIn.

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Why Are Pakistani Sponsors Buying Back Their Companies?

Buybacks are when companies purchase their own shares in the market, which is often seen as a positive signal for investors. Pakistan stock market is witnessing a sudden influx of buybacks from notable sponsors, likely driven by record-low valuations and high profitability over the past two years. The trend is expected to continue, and we believe it could provide a floor to stock prices. What does this mean, and which industries will be the most affected? Continue reading to learn more.

Buybacks are a way for companies to show confidence in their outlook and signal to investors that they believe their shares are undervalued. When companies buy back shares, it reduces the number of shares outstanding, which increases earnings per share and improves metrics like return on equity. This move can also improve stock prices, as demand for shares increases while the supply decreases.

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Investing vs. Saving: What’s the Difference and Why Does It Matter?

Both saving and investing play a crucial role in achieving financial stability and growth. However, many people confuse the two concepts, and as a result, they may not be getting the most out of their money. That’s why KTrade is here to help you understand the difference.

Saving refers to setting aside money for future use, such as putting your money into a savings account. This allows you to build an emergency fund, achieve short-term financial goals, and avoid debt. You then have a financial cushion to fall back on in case of unexpected events like job loss, medical emergencies, or car repairs. Saving also allows you to achieve short-term financial goals like paying for a vacation, or making a down payment on a house.

What’s the Deal with IMF and Pakistan?

Back in 2019, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Pakistan reached an agreement to provide financial assistance to help the country address its economic challenges. So far the country has received $4.0 billion out of the total amount of $6.5 billion. For the next tranche of around $1.0 billion, the country has to meet various conditions causing the delay in staff level agreement. As a result, investor sentiment has been negatively impacted, and the market has remained range bound. However, all is not dark! There are ways to navigate these economic uncertainties, and you can do so with KTrade. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the IMF and Pakistan agreement, the reasons behind the delays, and the potential impact on investors and the market.

Firstly, the IMF deal will provide much-needed financial assistance to Pakistan, which has been struggling with a mounting debt crisis. The country’s external debt currently stands at around $105 billion, with the government struggling to meet its repayment obligations. The IMF has agreed to provide a loan of $6 billion to Pakistan over the next three years, which will help to alleviate some of the pressure on the country’s finances. However, as of March 2023, the talks between the government and the IMF appear to be at an impasse amidst an expanding list of conditions, including lending guarantees from friendly countries. Mixed signals from government officials, including planned petroleum and flour subsidies, have fueled speculations of further delays in the program’s revival. Despite this, through the materialization of additional bilateral, multilateral, and IMF’s funding, the government is targeting a reserve balance of around USD 8-9bn by June 30th, 2023. (For those looking for regular updates on Pakistan’s economic climate, follow our LinkedIn and Facebook). 

State Bank of Pakistan Hiked the Policy Rate by 300 BPS – what does this mean?

What is the recent monetary policy action taken by the State Bank of Pakistan and why was it necessary? What are the key highlights of the monetary policy review?

 At KTrade, we are committed to helping our clients make informed decisions and achieve their financial goals. Whether you are a seasoned investor or just starting out, we have the resources and expertise to help you succeed. Follow us on our Social Media Links for the latest updates and insights on investing in Pakistan.

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Top 5 KSE100 Stocks to Invest in 2023: A Guide to Navigating Pakistan’s Volatile Market

As 2023 approaches, it’s crucial to stay informed about potential investment opportunities in the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX). Despite the volatility of the market, savvy investors can still find profitable options. In this blog post, we’ll be discussing the top KSE100 stocks to invest in 2023 and how to navigate the market.

Our projection for the KSE 100 index target in 2023 is at 47,640 points. This projection is based on an earnings growth rate of 12% and a dividend yield of 8%. Given the economic and political volatility in the market, we do not anticipate a re-rating of the index.

Top 10 Ways to Invest in Pakistan

In an economy, some individuals/ institutions have an idle cash surplus, while some have a cash deficit and are struggling to raise funds that is where capital markets step in.

What are Capital Markets?

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Beginner’s Guide to Investing in Pakistan Stock Exchange

Most people have heard about investing in Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) but have not been able to do so due to lack of adequate information. This blog should help simplify a new investor’s concerns

A stock market deals with the buying and selling of shares issued by a corporation. A firm issues shares to increase capital. They use this capital to further better their company. Each share represents an equivalent stake in the equity of a company. The buyer and seller are both kept anonymous when these transactions are being made.

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