The Colombo Bourse concluded the session in positive territory, recording marginal gains supported by favorable global developments, although investor sentiment remained cautious with relatively low confidence levels.

The ASPI closed at 22,436, posting a modest gain of 50 points, while the S&P SL20 inched up by 16 points to settle at 6,227. SPEN, DIAL, CTHR, LION, and MELS were the key positive contributors to the ASPI.

HNW investor participation remained elevated, whereas retail investor participation was relatively subdued. Daily turnover stood at LKR 3.1Bn, marking an increase of 7.4% over the monthly average of LKR 2.9Bn.

Banking sector led the daily turnover with a share of 17%, followed by the Food Beverage & Tobacco, and Capital Goods sectors collectively contributing 30%. Foreign investors remained net sellers, posting a net outflow of LKR 333.3Mn.

BOND MARKET

Secondary market witnessed a session of mixed sentiment

The secondary bond market witnessed moderate activity today as the yield curve remained broadly stable amid mixed investor sentiment. At the short end of the curve, the 15.02.2028 and 15.12.2029 maturities traded at 10.62% and 11.00% respectively.

Moving ahead, 01.03.2030, 01.08.2030, and 15.10.2030 traded at 11.10%, 11.25% and 11.35% respectively. Moreover, both 01.06.2033 and 01.11.2033 bonds changed hands at 11.55% while 15.06.2034 was dealt at 11.75%.

Finally, 15.03.2035 was traded between 11.83% and 11.85%.  On the external front, the LKR appreciated against the USD, standing at LKR 333.98/USD, compared to LKR 334.58/USD seen earlier. Liquidity in the banking system contracted to LKR 31.20Bn from LKR 43.19Bn recorded previously.

-First Capital Research