Rupee gains slightly against dollar but pound surges - What’s behind currency shifts?
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ISLAMABAD: The US dollar slipped by 04 paisa against the Pakistani rupee in interbank trade, ending the day at Rs283.72 compared to Rs283.76 previously.

This slight drop might seem small, but even minor fluctuations in currency rates can signal bigger trends in the economy. As per the Forex Association of Pakistan (FAP), the local currency showed slight resilience despite ongoing market pressures.

In the open market, the dollar’s buying rate stood at Rs284.75, while it was sold at Rs285.75. These figures indicate that public demand for the greenback remains consistent, but not surging.

Meanwhile, the Euro gained 03 paisa, closing at Rs328.98, slightly up from Rs328.95, according to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). Though the change is minimal, it’s part of a pattern traders are keeping a close eye on.

The Japanese Yen remained steady at Rs1.95, showing no change from the previous session. However, it was the British Pound that stood out with a sharp rise of Rs0.95, closing at Rs386.37 compared to Rs385.42 previously. This sudden increase could attract investor attention, especially from those dealing in international transactions.

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Among regional currencies, the Emirates Dirham dropped by 02 paisa to close at Rs77.25, while the Saudi Riyal ticked up by 01 paisa to end at Rs75.64. These micro-movements, while often overlooked, are essential for importers, exporters, and forex traders to track closely.

Although the changes in most currencies were minimal, they reflect a day of mixed signals in the forex market. The Pakistani rupee’s slight gain against the dollar may boost short-term confidence, but the Pound’s significant rise suggests external pressures are influencing currency behavior. Importers dealing in GBP may face higher costs, while the small dip in the Dirham could bring temporary relief for UAE-based transactions. Traders should stay alert, as these subtle shifts can sometimes be the beginning of larger currency trends driven by international market dynamics or upcoming economic decisions.