Here is the top business and economy news for today, January 15, 2026, specifically curated for your Business News 360 category.
📈 Business & Economy 360: Today’s Top Stories
1. Pakistan Markets: PSX Crosses 184,000 as Bond Yields Crash
The Detail: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) continued its historic rally today, with the KSE-100 index surging past the 184,000-point mark. This bullish momentum follows a successful government auction where Rs492 billion was raised through Pakistan Investment Bonds (PIBs). Yields on these bonds fell significantly (up to 70 basis points), signaling that investors expect a major cut in the central bank’s interest rates during the upcoming January 26 policy meeting.
Visual Concept: A high-resolution photo of a glowing green stock market ticker showing “KSE-100” with a sharp upward arrow, set against the Karachi financial district skyline.
2. Global Trade: Trump Signals “No New Tariffs” on Critical Minerals
The Detail: In a move that calmed global markets, President Trump announced today that he will not impose new tariffs on critical minerals for the time being. Instead, the U.S. will focus on securing overseas supplies to support its domestic tech and EV manufacturing. Following the announcement, global oil prices dipped by more than 2% as supply concerns eased, while major tech stocks saw a slight rebound.
Visual Concept: A sleek image of raw industrial minerals (like Lithium or Cobalt) being loaded onto a cargo ship, with a digital overlay of a global trade heat map.
3. Crypto Integration: Pakistan Moves Toward USD-Stablecoin Payments
The Detail: Pakistan has officially entered a strategic partnership with World Liberty Financial (the crypto venture linked to the Trump family) to explore the use of a USD-backed stablecoin for cross-border payments. This “Stablecoin Pilot” aims to reduce the cost of international remittances and provide a digital hedge against currency volatility for Pakistani exporters.
Visual Concept: A professional 3D graphic of a gold digital coin with the Pakistani flag on one side and a dollar sign on the other, symbolizing the bridge between traditional and digital finance.
4. Tech & Labor: ILO Warns AI Will Disrupt 93% of Youth Jobs by 2027
The Detail: The International Labour Organization (ILO) released a report today warning that global youth employment is under immense pressure. The report highlights that Artificial Intelligence and trade uncertainty are the two biggest factors weighing on labor markets in 2026. While AI is boosting corporate margins for giants like GSK and SAP, it is forcing a massive “skills pivot” for millions of young workers entering the market this year.
Visual Concept: A modern office setting where a young professional is working alongside a holographic AI interface, representing the “New Work” era.
5. Energy Shift: Punjab Government to Phase Out Petrol Vehicles
The Detail: In a major economic policy shift, the Punjab government has banned the purchase of new petrol and diesel vehicles for all departments. The province is shifting its entire procurement budget toward Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Hybrids. This move is expected to save billions in fuel imports over the next five years and provide a massive boost to local EV assembly plants like Agriautos.
Visual Concept: A row of sleek, white electric government sedans plugged into high-tech charging stations in front of a modern Islamabad architectural landmark.
Quick Economic Indicators (Jan 15, 2026):
- USD to PKR: 280.06 (Stable)
- Gold (10g): Rs 416,805
- Crude Oil: $64.57 per barrel (Down 2.9%)
- Inflation (Pakistan): 5.6% (Dec 2025 Data)
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