RECORDER REPORT

KARACHI: The Pakistani rupee recorded marginal gain against the US dollar in the inter-bank market on Thursday.

At close, the local currency settled at 280.05, a gain of Re0.01 against the greenback.

On Wednesday, the local unit closed at 280.06.

Internationally, the US dollar was calm on Thursday as investors weighed a slew of data that showed the US economy was in a delicate position ahead of a crucial jobs report on Friday, with rising geopolitical tensions keeping sentiment in check.

The euro was steady at $1.1678 in early Asian hours, on course for a small weekly drop, while sterling bought $1.34605.

The yen was flat at 156.78 per US dollar as traders remained reluctant to place major bets.

The Australian dollar fetched $0.6721, just below the 15-month high it touched earlier this week, while the New Zealand dollar was little changed at $0.5769.

Data on Thursday showed the US labour market appeared stuck in a “no hire, no fire” state, with job openings falling more than expected in November while hiring eased.

The services sector’s activity, though unexpectedly picking up in December, suggests the economy ended 2025 on a solid footing. The spotlight will now be on the closely watched nonfarm payrolls report, due on Friday.

Traders are pricing in at least two rate cuts from the Federal Reserve this year, although a divided central bank indicated in December just one more cut for 2026. Markets broadly expect the Fed to stand pat on rates in January.

The dollar index, which measures the US currency against six rivals, was steady at 98.737 and set for a small gain for the week.

Oil prices, a key indicator of currency parity, rose on Thursday after two days of declines as investors assessed Venezuela developments and reports on the progress of proposed U.S. sanctions legislation against countries doing business with

Russia.

Brent crude futures were up $1.21, or 2%, at $61.17 a barrel by 1417 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude gained $1.10, or nearly 2%, to $57.09.

Open-market movement

In the open market, the PKR remained unchanged for both buying and selling against USD, closing at 280.43 and 281.10, respectively.

Against Euro, the PKR gained 18.00 paisa for buying and 34.00 paisa for selling, closing at 327.28 and 330.29, respectively.

Against UAE Dirham, the PKR lost 2.00 paisa for buying and gained 1.00 paisa for selling, closing at 76.49 and 77.24, respectively.

Against Saudi Riyal, the PKR lost 1.00 paisa for buying and gained 2.00 paisa for selling, closing at 74.81 and 75.39, respectively.

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Open Bid Rs 280.43

Open Offer Rs 281.10

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Interbank Closing Rates: Interbank Closing Rates For Dollar on Thursday

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Open Bid Rs 280.05

Open Offer Rs 280.25

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RUPEE IN LAHORE: The Pakistani rupee weakened against the US dollar while inched higher against the British pound in the local currency market on Thursday.

Currency dealers said the rupee opened with an optimistic note against the greenback, bagging gains from early to midday sessions. However, later pressure surfaced that led to erosions, dealers reported. At close of the market, buying rate of the rupee settled at Rs 280.50 compared with Rs 280.60 of the previous session. On selling side, it finished at Rs 281.10, unchanged from the previous day’s value.

The local currency, however, improved its worth in comparison to the British pound. The rupee’s final buying and selling rates closed at Rs 376.70 and Rs 380.50, respectively against Wednesday’s value at Rs 377.75 and Rs 381.00, respectively.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026