COLOMBO– Sri Lanka rupee closed weaker at 184.90/185.10 against the US dollar on Monday (24), while bond yields were marginally up in moderate market trade.
The rupee closed at 184.40/65 to the greenback on Friday (21).
In equities, the Colombo’s All Share Price Index gained 0.06% or 3.41 points to end at 5,385.79, while the S&P SL20 index of more liquid stocks gained 0.20% or 4.80 points to 2,398.98.
The market turnover was Rs 1.56 billion with 63 stocks gaining and 100 falling. Net foreign buying in the market was Rs 19.4 million.
Crossings or negotiated traded were seen in Lanka Milk Foods, amounting to Rs 20.1 million at Rs 83.50 per share and the stock closed Rs 2.30 up at Rs 85.30 per share.
Distilleries Company contributed most to the gain of ASPI, gaining 90 cents to trade at Rs 16.20 a share.
Nestle Lanka shares traded Rs 61.80 up at Rs 1,070.20 while People’s Leasing and Finance stocks gained 40 cents to trade at Rs 12.30 a share, also contributing to the ASPI’s gain.
In the secondary government securities markets, bond yields were marginally up in moderate trade with high liquidity seen in 2022 maturities, dealers said.
A 2-year bond maturing on 15.12.2022 was quoted at 5.55/60%, up from 5.42/50% at Friday’s closing, while a bond maturing on 15.01.2023 was quoted at 5.58/65% , up from 5.48/55% at the previous closing and a bond maturing on 15.09.2024 was quoted at 6.05/10%, down from Friday’s closing at 6.01/05%.
A bond maturing on 01.05.2025 was quoted at 6.32/40%, up from 6.33/37% at the previous day’s closing, while a bond maturing on 01.02.2026 was quoted at 6.50/55%, up from 6.45/50% at the previous close and a bond maturing on 15.08.2027 was quoted at 6.95/7.00%, up from 6.92/95% at Friday’s end.
A 10-year bond maturing on 15.05.2030 was quoted at 7.27/35%, unchanged from 7.28/35% at the previous day’s closing.
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