Bond market activity at a standstill

By Wealth Trust Securities

The activity in the secondary bond market was at a standstill yesterday as majority of market participants opted to be on the sidelines. Limited trades were witnessed on the 01.07.25 maturity at levels of 32.25% to 32.35%. In secondary bills, July-August 2023 and February 2024 maturities changed hands at levels of 28.72% to 29.00% and 27.72% to 27.80% respectively. 

The total secondary market Treasury bond/bill transacted volume for 01 February was Rs. 37.82 billion.   

In money markets, the net liquidity deficit was registered at Rs. 101.02 billion yesterday as an amount of Rs. 101.02 billion was withdrawn from Central Banks SLFR facility (Standard Lending Facility Rate) of 15.50%. The weighted average rates on overnight call money and REPO stood at 15.44% and 15.50% respectively.

Forex Market 

In the Forex market, the middle rate for USD/LKR spot contracts remained steady for a fifth consecutive day at Rs. 362.14 yesterday.

The total USD/LKR traded volume for 01 February was $ 40.90 million.  

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