ASPI on a standstill as bulls and bears clash

• 13 Aug 2025
• 0

Continuing the mixed sentiment seen over the past few days, the Colombo Bourse experienced a volatile trading session, with the index fluctuating throughout the day.

Profit-taking was also observed at midday. However, the index recovered towards the end of the session, closing marginally higher at 19,976 marking a gain of 3 points.

Increased participation from retail investors was also noted. Stocks such as CTC, DIAL, HNB, PKME, and LLUB contributed positively to the index's performance.

Today's turnover amounted to LKR 4.5Bn, marking a 33% decrease from the monthly average of around LKR 6.6Bn. The Transportation sector dominated turnover, contributing 18% on the back of PKME crossing, followed by the Diversified Financials and Banking sectors with a combined contribution of 31%. Foreign investors turned net buyers with a net inflow of LKR 498.3Mn.

Light trading persists; mixed interest along the yield curve

Reflecting the previous day's subdued sentiment, the secondary market exhibited mixed movements amidst low trading volumes. Investor interest was primarily seen in the 2029 and 2032 maturities.

In the 2029 segment, mixed activity was observed with the 15.06.2029, 15.09.2029, 15.10.2029, and 15.12.2029 trading within a range of 9.30% to 9.40%.

Further along the curve, the 15.05.2030 bond traded between 9.45% and 9.48%, while the 15.03.2031 was quoted at 9.85%. Interest in the longer end saw both 01.10.2032 and 15.12.2032 maturities trade in the 10.20% to 10.25% range.

The Central Bank concluded its weekly Treasury Bill auction today, fully raising the initially offered amount of LKR 103.5Bn. The 3M bill generated LKR 5.3Bn, with its weighted average yield decreasing by 1bp to 7.60%.

The 6M bill raised LKR 41.5Bn, with its weighted average yield decreasing by 1bp to 7.90%. Meanwhile, the 12M bill drew LKR 56.7Bn, with yield remaining unchanged at 8.03%.

In the forex market, the LKR depreciated slightly against the greenback, closing at LKR 301.0/USD, compared to the previously seen rate of LKR 300.7/USD. Meanwhile, overnight liquidity in the banking system expanded to LKR 108.18Bn from the previously seen level of LKR 97.89Bn.

Courtesy: First Capital Research

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