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The price of gold has increased by Rs 4, 200 per tola in the domestic market on Friday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the precious yellow metal is being traded at Rs 197, 100 per tola today. It was traded at Rs 192, 900 per tola on Thursday.

Similarly, the silver is being traded at Rs 2, 165 per tola today.

Pakistan’s federal budget for the fiscal year 2025–26, presented by Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, outlines a comprehensive plan focused on institutional reform, financial discipline, and inclusive economic development. The government has emphasized a shift from short-term responses to long-term strategies aimed at stability and sustainable growth.

Key economic indicators suggest a recovery, with a reported primary surplus of 2.4 percent of GDP and inflation dropping to a two-year low of 4.7 percent. The current account is expected to post a surplus of $1.5bn, reversing a previous deficit. Pakistan has also seen increased international confidence, as reflected in improved credit ratings and rising remittances.

Central to the budget is the transformation of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), including the use of AI audits, e-invoicing, and expanded tax compliance efforts. The government reports progress in identifying non-filers, blocking fake refunds, and broadening the tax base. Structural reforms span various sectors, including tariff simplification, energy cost reductions, and reorganization of state-owned enterprises. Debt management measures and pension reforms are also part of the broader fiscal strategy.

The budget introduces targeted tax relief for salaried individuals and mid-sized corporations, alongside incentives for agriculture, SMEs, IT exports, and green economy initiatives. Development spending has been allocated across federal and provincial programs, with a focus on health, education, and social protection. The Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) has seen increased funding, and civil servant salaries and pensions have been adjusted.

Strategic investments have been outlined in agriculture, information technology, climate resilience, and mineral resources. Notably, the Reko Diq mining project is expected to generate substantial economic returns and employment.

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) plunged by 7. 15 points to close at 2,657.32 points on Thursday.  

Similarly, the sensitive index dropped by 1. 52 points to close at 454. 56 points.

A total of 28,607,685-unit shares of 311 companies were traded for Rs 12. 51 billion.

Meanwhile, Pure Energy Limited (PURE) was the top gainer today with its price surging by 9. 99 percent. Likewise, Gurans Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (GLBSL) was the top loser with its price dropped by 10. 00 percent.

At the end of the day, the total market capitalization stood at Rs 4. 42 trillion.

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team led by Sarwat Jahan concluded a two-week visit to Nepal on June 10, reaching a staff-level agreement with Nepali authorities on the policies and reforms needed to complete the sixth review under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF).

The agreement, which remains subject to approval by the IMF’s Executive Board, would unlock approximately $42.7m in financial assistance. This will bring Nepal’s total disbursement under the ECF to about $331.8m out of an approved $394.75m.

In a statement at the end of the mission, Jahan noted that Nepal has made “satisfactory” progress on its ECF-supported reform agenda, despite some delays in child welfare grant targets. Key completed or near-complete reforms include the finalization of a tax expenditure report, revised National Project Bank guidelines, and a roadmap following a Loan Portfolio Review (LPR). Progress has also been made on amending the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) Act, incorporating recommendations from previous IMF assessments.

The IMF mission observed that Nepal’s economy is gradually recovering, supported by improvements in construction, manufacturing, hydropower, and agriculture. GDP growth for 2024/25 is projected to exceed four percent, while inflation eased to 3.4 percent in April following a post-flood spike. The country’s external position has strengthened thanks to rising exports, remittances, and tourism.

However, financial sector vulnerabilities persist. Non-performing loans (NPLs) rose to 5.2 percent in April 2025, impacting bank capital, and concerns remain about the health of savings and credit cooperatives (SACCOs).

Looking ahead, the IMF projects stronger growth in 2025/26 with inflation likely to remain within the central bank’s target range. Yet risks—including weak capital project execution, global uncertainties, and policy disruptions—remain.

The upcoming fiscal year’s budget is broadly aligned with IMF goals to ensure fiscal discipline, boost capital spending, promote private investment, and expand social programs such as the public school midday meal initiative.

The IMF emphasized the need for a cautious approach to establishing an Asset Management Company and highlighted the importance of strengthening the insolvency framework and debt recovery systems. It also praised Nepal’s progress on improving its legal framework for anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing.

During the visit, the IMF team held meetings with Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel, National Planning Commission Vice-chairperson Shiva Raj Adhikari, Nepal Rastra Bank Governor Biswo Poudel, and other high-level officials, as well as stakeholders from the private sector and development partners. “We are grateful to the Nepali authorities for their hospitality and for open and constructive discussions,” Jahan concluded.