The Colombo Bourse closed on a mixed note today, with the ASPI gaining 3 points to close at 22,256, while the S&P SL20 declined by 2 points to 6,194.

Investor sentiment remained mixed as buying interest was observed on selected financial and defensive sectors including power and energy, and property.

HNW participation remained low, while retail participation remained subdued. The positive contributors to the ASPI were CTHR, LFIN, NDB, DIAL, and NHL. Daily turnover stood at LKR 1.6Bn, marking a decrease of 42.4% over the monthly average of LKR 2.7Bn.

Capital Goods sector led the daily turnover with a share of 27%, followed by the Banking, and Diversified Financials sectors collectively contributing 29%. Foreign investors remained net sellers, posting a net outflow of LKR 225.1Mn.

BOND MARKET

Yield curve remains broadly stable amid mixed market sentiment

Sentiment in the secondary market remained mixed today, with trading volumes at moderate levels. Investor interest was especially visible in the mid- to belly-end of the yield curve, while activity was primarily driven by primary dealers and banking sector participants.

Foreign investor participation remained absent. Among the maturities traded, 01.05.2028 and 15.10.2028 both traded between 10.60% to 10.65%. Moving ahead, 15.05.2030 and 01.08.2030 changed hands within the range of 11.10% to 11.20% while 01.11.2033 traded between 11.70% to 11.64%.

Finally, 15.06.2034 was seen trading at a rate of 11.70%. On the external front, the LKR depreciated against the USD, standing at LKR 334.54 /USD, compared to LKR 333.76/USD seen earlier. Liquidity in the banking system expanded to LKR 64.26Bn from LKR 44.16Bn recorded previously.

Popular maturities traded during the day:

01.05.2028: (-2bps)

15.10.2028: (-10bps)

15.05.2030: Unchanged

01.08.2030: (-5bps)

01.11.2033: (-5bps)

-First Capital Research-