Activity in the secondary bond market remains dull

By Wealth Trust Securities

The activity in the secondary bond market remained rather dull yesterday (23 April) with limited trades seen on the 15.03.23, 01.08.24, 01.08.26 and 01.09.28 maturities at levels of 10.00%, 10.00% to 10.01%, 10.10% and 10.28% respectively. In the secondary bill market, April 2019 maturities were traded at 9.54%.

The total secondary market Treasury bond/bill transacted volumes for 20 April was Rs.5.2 billion.

In money markets, the net surplus liquidity stood at Rs.16.87 billion, with no OMO (Open Market Operations) auctions being conducted. Overnight call money and repo remained steady to average 7.83% and 7.89% respectively.

Rupee losses further

The USD/LKR rate on spot contracts depreciated further yesterday, to a new low of Rs. 156.90 before bouncing back marginally to close the day at Rs. 156.85/95 against the previous day’s closing levels of Rs. 156.40/48.

The total USD/LKR traded volume for 20 April was $79.00 million.

Some of the forward USD/LKR rates that prevailed in the market were 1 Month - 157.50/65; 3 Months - 159.00/15 and 6 Months - 161.20/35.