SBP reserves edge up $17m to $17.1b

The Express Tribune reported that total liquid foreign exchange reserves in Pakistan edged higher to $22.59 billion in the week ended August 21, 2026, according to the State Bank of Pakistan. Central bank holdings gained $17 million, reaching $17.10 billion, while net reserves held by commercial banks climbed to $5.49 billion. Total foreign currency deposits reached $22,587.4 million, up from $22,506.1 million a week earlier.

The rupee finished Thursday at 277.51 per dollar in the interbank market, a Rs0.01 gain on Tuesday's close, as trading was shut Wednesday for Eid Milad-un-Nabi. Domestic bullion moved lower too, with 24-carat gold down Rs3,500 at Rs483,036 per tola after overseas quotes slipped from a three-month peak. Silver went the other way, adding Rs50 to reach Rs7,329 per tola.

Globally, the dollar stayed close to an eight-day high after US inflation figures and other data nudged up bets on a Federal Reserve rate increase. Spot gold slipped 1.3% to $4,595.93 per ounce as of 1:57 pm EDT, after peaking on Tuesday at its strongest level since May 14. Attention is also on Fed Chair Kevin Warsh, whose first big address at Jackson Hole is scheduled for Friday.