CDNS Lowers RIC Rate to 11.52% in May

Islamabad, May 27 — The Central Directorate of National Savings (CDNS) has slashed the profit rate on Regular Income Certificates (RICs) to 11.52%, down from a rate yielding Rs979 monthly per Rs100,000 investment, now offering Rs960, following the State Bank of Pakistan’s recent interest rate cut. Launched in 1993, these fixed-income investments carry a five-year maturity and are available from Rs50,000 to Rs10 million, remaining exempt from Zakat deduction.

The CDNS also trimmed profit rates on Behbood Savings Certificates, Defence Savings Certificates, and Special Savings Certificates, impacting long-term investors. Defence Savings Certificates, targeting Pakistani nationals and overseas Pakistanis with a 10-year maturity, are accessible via National Savings Centres with a free SC-I form. However, Behbood Savings Certificates saw a slight profit hike to 13.68% for May 2025, delivering Rs1,140 monthly per Rs100,000, effective until further notice.

Web context highlights Pakistan’s reliance on savings schemes amid economic uncertainty (e.g., 14% inflation, web ID: 0), while posts found on X show investor discontent—some lament the rate drop, others question policy timing. Critically, the narrative of “adjustment” may mask financial strain—web sources note falling returns amid high inflation, and X sentiment suggests distrust in CDNS stability, hinting at potential investor pullback.