91-day Treasury bill average decreases for first time in 7 weeks

By Wealth Trust Securities

The 91-day bill weighted average rate at yesterday’s weekly Treasury bill auction was seen decreasing for the first time in seven weeks, recording a drop of 08 basis points to 33.06%. The weighted average rates on the 182-day and 364-day bills decreased by 02 basis points each to 32.51% and 29.53% respectively as well. 

The total offered amount of Rs. 80 billion was fully accepted at the phase one of the auction while phase two will be opened for the 182-day and 364-day maturities at its weighted average rates until close of business on the day prior to settlement (i.e., 3.30 p.m. on 17.11.22). 

The 15.01.28 maturity changed hands at a level of 32.55% in the secondary bond market.

The total secondary market Treasury bond/bill transacted volume for 15 November 2022 was Rs. 6.11 billion. In money markets, the net liquidity deficit stood at Rs. 155.28 billion yesterday as an amount of Rs. 336.35 billion was deposited at Central Banks SDFR (Standard Deposit Facility Rate) of 14.50% against an amount of Rs. 491.63 billion withdrawn from Central Banks SLFR (Standard Lending Facility Rate) of 15.50%. The weighted average rate on overnight Call money stood at 15.50%.

Forex Market 

In the Forex market, the middle rate for USD/LKR spot contracts remained steady at Rs. 363.50 yesterday.

The total USD/LKR traded volume for 15 November was $ 84.85 million.  

(References: Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Bloomberg E-Bond trading platform, Money broking companies)