Reserves edge up to $26.8b

The State Bank's own foreign currency holdings climbed by $15 million in the week to October 2, 2026, taking them to $21.454 billion, Express Tribune reported, citing data the central bank published on Thursday. Total liquid foreign reserves reached $26.797 billion, up from $26.771 billion a week earlier, even though commercial banks' net holdings fell by $17 million to $5.344 billion.

The rupee ended Thursday at 277.01 per US dollar, versus 277.02 the previous day. Domestic gold moved higher, with the tola price rising Rs600 to Rs435,036 according to the All-Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association. The 10-gram price rose Rs515 to Rs372,973, while silver lost Rs120 per tola to Rs6,368.

International spot gold gained 0.3% to $4,122.36 per ounce by 12:20 pm EDT on Thursday, having slipped to a level last seen on August 5 the day before, Reuters reported. Minutes from the Federal Reserve's September meeting showed officials were split on the case for a rate hike, and market pricing put the odds of an October hike at 21% and December at 88%. Adnan Agar of Interactive Commodities described trading as completely sluggish and said the metal was unlikely to fall below $4,000 unless major data or unexpected news emerged.