Economy
PM says Tarin’s appointment aimed at boosting growth, containing inflation
Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday said cartels and monopoly as witnessed in the case of sugar mills resulted in inflation. The appointment of Shaukat Tarin as finance minister aimed at controlling inflation and increasing the growth rate. The prime minister made these remarks in a live telephonic call session with the general public. This was the third such interactive session titled ‘Aap ka Wazir-e-Azam, Aap ke Sath’, where the prime minister took questions from people through live phone calls and responded to questions.
On petroleum prices, he said the government had kept the price of commodity lower as compared to India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, China, United States, Turkey, Malaysia, Bangladesh and Bhutan so as to avoid burden on consumers.
Worldwide, he said, the prices of commodities went up during the pandemic, including gas by 60 percent, food 29 percent, metal 41 percent, crude oil 84 percent, cotton 44 percent, palm oil 54.8 percent, soya bean oil 36.6 percent and sugar 14.5 percent. According to a Bloomberg report on food inflation and agricultural sub-index, Pakistan still kept the prices low, he added.
Prime Minister Imran Khan said with solid steps, the government had achieved remarkable economic growth in diverse sectors.
Through reforms the economic losses of public corporations had been reduced from Rs 286 billion to Rs 143 billion, the current account deficit remained in surplus for the last 10 months and the foreign exchange reserves increased to $15.6 billion.
“During the pandemic situation when the whole world is facing financial crunch, our government has saved the economy,” he said.
He acknowledged that the financial assistance from Saudi Arabia and China also helped Pakistan gain the economic stability.
Imran Khan said now the rupee had strengthened against dollar at Rs 152, exports increased by 13.5 percent, the Euro bond helped gain $2.5 billion and the revenue of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) rose by 11 percent.
The textile and cement industries, he said, witnessed a boom, while the local car manufacturing was recorded at 18 percent. The Pakistan Stock Exchange showed a bullish trend by 66 percent increase as per Bloomberg and the information technology exports increased by 44 percent.
Imran Khan said incentives in the housing sector had encouraged economic activity and the banks were offering loans for the construction of houses. He acknowledged the role of courts in the passage of foreclosure law of banks, which, he said, had greatly helped in materialization of the low-cost housing project.
Responding to a caller who complained about delay in a housing project for government employees in Bhara Kahu (Islamabad), he advised his staff to note the matter for further pursuance.
To overcome issues of water shortage and sanitation, he said the government was making master plans of cities and had also allowed vertical construction to maximum accommodate the population. Imran Khan said lack of planning and civic infrastructure had led to improper expansion of metropolitan cities. Dams were being constructed to overcome water scarcity, he said, adding a special arrangement for water supply to Islamabad was in progress.
China
Decoding China’s Consumer Price Rebound Amid Deflation Risks: Insights & Analysis
Introduction
China’s consumer prices have shown signs of rebounding, thanks to a holiday boom. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) grew by 0.7% year on year in February, surpassing expectations and marking the first rise after six consecutive months of decline. However, amidst this positive development, there are looming concerns about deflation risks as factory gate prices continue to fall for the 17th consecutive month. This article delves into the intricacies of China’s current economic landscape, analyzing the factors contributing to the CPI growth and exploring the implications of persistent deflation risks.
1: Understanding China’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) Growth
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) serves as a key indicator of inflation and reflects changes in the prices paid by consumers for goods and services. The recent 0.7% year-on-year growth in China’s CPI in February has sparked optimism among economists and policymakers. This growth can be attributed to various factors, including increased consumer spending during holidays, rising demand for certain goods and services, and government stimulus measures aimed at boosting consumption.
2: Implications of CPI Growth on China’s Economy
The rebound in consumer prices has significant implications for China’s economy. A positive CPI growth indicates a healthier level of inflation, which can stimulate economic activity by encouraging spending and investment. It also reflects improved consumer confidence and overall economic stability. However, it is essential to monitor the sustainability of this growth and its impact on other economic indicators.
3: Analyzing Deflation Risks in China’s Economy
Despite the encouraging CPI growth, there are concerns about deflation risks looming over China’s economy. The continuous decline in factory gate prices for the 17th consecutive month is seen as a warning signal by analysts. Deflation can have detrimental effects on an economy, leading to reduced consumer spending, lower corporate profits, and potential economic stagnation. Policymakers must address these deflation risks proactively to prevent long-term negative consequences.
4: Factors Contributing to Deflation Risks
Several factors contribute to the deflation risks faced by China’s economy. Overcapacity in certain industries, weak global demand, trade tensions, and technological advancements leading to cost reductions are some of the key factors driving down factory gate prices. Addressing these underlying issues requires a comprehensive approach that involves structural reforms, targeted stimulus measures, and strategic policy interventions.
5: Strategies to Mitigate Deflation Risks
To mitigate deflation risks and sustain economic growth, policymakers in China need to implement effective strategies. These may include promoting domestic consumption through incentives and subsidies, fostering innovation and technological advancement to enhance competitiveness, addressing overcapacity through industry restructuring, and maintaining a stable macroeconomic environment through prudent monetary and fiscal policies.
Conclusion
China’s consumer price rebound offers a glimmer of hope amidst challenging economic conditions. While the CPI growth signals positive momentum in the short term, it is essential to address the underlying deflation risks to ensure long-term economic stability and growth. By understanding the factors contributing to CPI growth and deflation risks, policymakers can formulate targeted strategies to navigate these challenges effectively. Monitoring economic indicators closely and implementing proactive measures will be crucial in safeguarding China’s economy against potential downturns.
Economy
Unveiling the Potential: Lake Street Analyst Raises Price Target on Crexendo to $7
Introduction
In the dynamic world of stock markets, analysts play a crucial role in guiding investors with their insights and recommendations. Recently, Lake Street analyst Eric Martinuzzi made waves by raising the price target on Crexendo (NASDAQ: CXDO) to $7 from $5.50, reaffirming a Buy rating and showcasing his bullish outlook on the company’s prospects. This move not only reflects Martinuzzi’s confidence in Crexendo but also sheds light on the underlying factors driving this optimistic stance.
1: The Analyst’s Perspective
Eric Martinuzzi, a seasoned analyst at Lake Street, has demonstrated his faith in Crexendo’s growth potential by revising the price target upwards. His Buy rating underscores a positive outlook on the company’s trajectory, indicating a belief in its ability to thrive in the competitive market landscape. By delving into Martinuzzi’s rationale behind this decision, investors can gain valuable insights into what sets Crexendo apart and why it is poised for success.
2: Unpacking Crexendo’s Market Position
Crexendo, a technology company specializing in cloud communications solutions, has been making strides in expanding its market presence and enhancing its offerings. With a focus on innovation and customer-centric solutions, Crexendo has positioned itself as a key player in the industry. The heightened price target from Lake Street signals a strong conviction in Crexendo’s capabilities to further solidify its market position and drive growth.
3: Factors Driving Optimism
Several factors contribute to the positive sentiment surrounding Crexendo and justify the increased price target set by Lake Street analyst Eric Martinuzzi. These may include strong financial performance, innovative product offerings, strategic partnerships, market trends favoring cloud communications solutions, and overall industry outlook. By examining these factors in detail, investors can better understand why Crexendo is garnering attention and what potential opportunities lie ahead.
4: Implications for Investors
For investors looking to capitalize on the bullish outlook for Crexendo, understanding the implications of the revised price target is crucial. It signifies not just a numerical increase but also a vote of confidence in the company’s ability to deliver value and generate returns for shareholders. By aligning investment strategies with this optimistic outlook, investors can position themselves strategically to benefit from Crexendo’s growth trajectory.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Lake Street analyst Eric Martinuzzi’s decision to raise the price target on Crexendo to $7 reflects a positive assessment of the company’s prospects and underscores its growth potential. By exploring the analyst’s perspective, unpacking Crexendo’s market position, analyzing the factors driving optimism, and considering the implications for investors, stakeholders can gain valuable insights into why Crexendo is an intriguing investment opportunity worth considering.
Economy
The Economic Consequences of Elections: A Perspective from Nedbank
Introduction
Elections are an integral part of any democratic society, providing citizens with the opportunity to choose their leaders and hold them accountable for their actions. However, the focus on elections can often divert attention from other pressing issues, such as fixing the economy.
In a recent statement, the Nedbank chief, Mike Brown, expressed concern that the upcoming elections could take the focus off fixing the economy, which is a cause for concern for many South Africans. In this article, we will delve deeper into the economic consequences of elections and the implications for South Africa.
The Economic Consequences of Elections
Elections can have significant economic consequences, both in the short and long term. In the short term, elections can lead to increased uncertainty, as investors and businesses may hold back on making decisions until the outcome is clear. This uncertainty can lead to a decrease in investment, which can negatively impact economic growth.
In the long term, elections can lead to policy changes that can have significant economic consequences. For example, if a new government comes into power with a different economic policy, this can lead to changes in regulations, taxes, and other economic factors that can impact businesses and investors. This can lead to a decrease in confidence in the economy, which can further impact investment and economic growth.
Nedbank’s Perspective
Nedbank, one of South Africa’s largest banks, has expressed concern that the upcoming elections could take the focus off fixing the economy. Mike Brown, the Nedbank chief, has stated that “the focus on the election could distract from the need to address the structural issues that are holding back the economy.” This is a concern shared by many South Africans, who are worried about the country’s economic future.
Structural Issues in the South African Economy
South Africa’s economy has been struggling for some time, with high levels of unemployment, low economic growth, and a large budget deficit. These structural issues are complex and require significant attention and effort to address. However, the focus on elections can divert attention from these issues, making it difficult to make progress in fixing the economy.
Conclusion
Elections are an important part of any democratic society, but they can also have significant economic consequences. The focus on elections can divert attention from other pressing issues, such as fixing the economy. As the Nedbank chief has pointed out, this can seriously affect South Africa’s economic future. Attention must be given to these structural issues, regardless of the outcome of the elections. Only then can South Africa hope to achieve sustainable economic growth and development.
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