Dark markets may be more harmful than high-frequency trading
Fears that high-speed traders have been rigging the US stock market went mainstream last week thanks to allegations in a book by financial author Michael Lewis, but there may be…
Forex policy and market jitters
The State Bank of Pakistan’s new restrictions on individual dollar purchases have triggered predictable debate within financial circles, business communities and ordinary households alike. While the central bank insists these…
Trading manufacturing for middlemen
Pakistan needs foreign investment and debt flows to escape its low-growth equilibrium. The rapidly shifting global geopolitical landscape favours Pakistan, and regional news is encouraging. However, economic headlines are disheartening,…
Prolonged US government shutdown could raise market risks
Investors have anticipated for weeks the risks of a US government shutdown to markets. Now that it is here, they are hoping it will be brief. A shutdown that lasts…
Why the oil market is tight despite big OPEC+ output hikes
OPEC+ oil producers have used high summer demand to launch their first output increases in three years, but those targets have proved difficult to hit, leaving the market surprisingly tight.…
Marching bands and market share
Pakistan marks its 78th year of independence at a time when the very idea of sovereignty is being reshaped. In today’s world, economic resilience and diplomatic agility are as critical…
Illusion of trading
RECENTLY, Ducky Bhai found himself behind bars. The charge: his promotion of ‘binary trading’ apps. To understand how these betting rackets operate, we first need to examine the legitimate practices…
Even as markets rally, Trump’s policymaking causes market angst
As Wall Street puts April’s tariff shakeout in the rearview mirror and indexes set record highs, investors remain wary of US President Donald Trump’s rapid-fire, sometimes chaotic policymaking process and…
High-priced stocks and bonds raise tariff threat for markets
Global markets are telling conflicting stories about the possible longer-term impact of US tariffs on growth, a schism that investors say means either stocks or bonds could see a steep…
Investors shore up defences against another August market rout
Big investors are preparing for the normally thinly-traded months ahead with even more caution than usual as risks of oil price volatility or fresh tariff shocks could shake up the…
