Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
South Africa Eyes ECB Repo Lines as Inflation Eases and Rate Cuts Loom 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has confirmed that its next funding review for Pakistan is scheduled for the second half of 2025. In a statement released Friday, the IMF said it is actively engaging with Pakistani authorities to finalize the fiscal framework for the country’s 2026 financial year.
The global lender emphasized that its top priority remains anchoring inflation within the State Bank of Pakistan’s medium-term target range of 5–7%. This objective is central to the country’s ongoing economic stabilization efforts.
According to the IMF, Pakistani officials reaffirmed their commitment to fiscal consolidation. As part of this strategy, the government is targeting a primary surplus of 1.6% of GDP in FY2026. Achieving this surplus is key to restoring macroeconomic stability and ensuring long-term debt sustainability.
The IMF’s statement signals continued cooperation between Islamabad and the Fund, following a period of economic turbulence marked by high inflation, currency depreciation, and dwindling foreign reserves. Pakistan recently concluded a short-term $3 billion standby agreement with the IMF and is seeking a longer-term arrangement to support structural reforms.
With the next funding review set for late 2025, successful negotiations over the upcoming federal budget will be critical in securing future disbursements. The budget must align with IMF goals to unlock further support, particularly as Pakistan faces increasing external financing needs and economic pressures.
The IMF's focus on inflation control, fiscal discipline, and structural reforms aligns with broader efforts to stabilize Pakistan’s economy and build investor confidence. Ongoing discussions in the lead-up to the 2026 budget will play a vital role in shaping the country's financial outlook and maintaining access to international financial support.
