The Pakistani rupee is expected to remain under pressure against the US dollar, with most market participants anticipating the exchange rate to stay above Rs285, according to a fresh survey on macroeconomic expectations.
Around 59% of respondents expect the rupee to trade beyond the 285 level, while 31% see it moving in the Rs280–285 range. Only 10% of participants expect the currency to remain between Rs275 and Rs280.
Inflation expectations remain firm, with 51% of respondents forecasting inflation to stay above 9% over the next 12 months. Another 23% expect it to remain in the 7%–9% band, while the rest anticipate a softer reading.
On interest rates, the outlook suggests continued tight conditions ahead. For December 2026, 59% of respondents expect the policy rate to remain higher than the current 10.5%. Meanwhile, 29% expect rates to stay unchanged, and 6% anticipate a decline to 10% or lower.
Oil price expectations also reflect ongoing uncertainty in global markets. About 59% of participants expect crude oil to remain above $80 per barrel, while 41.2% believe it will stay below that threshold.
Overall, the survey points to sustained macroeconomic pressure, with expectations of a weaker rupee, persistent inflation, and elevated global oil prices shaping the outlook.
