The Colombo Bourse continued to trade in positive territory today, supported by improving investor confidence amid greater certainty surrounding global developments.

The ASPI climbed 292 points to close at 21,531, while the S&P SL20 gained 98 points to close at 6,143, reflecting strong gains across both indices. The top positive contributors to the ASPI were COMB, HNB, DIAL, ASIR and DIST Retail participation exceeded HNW activity, with retail investors accounting for a larger share of market turnover.

Turnover remained around average levels, while sustained trading activity in recent sessions suggests investors are becoming increasingly comfortable with the improving global outlook. Daily turnover stood at LKR 3.3Bn, marking an increase of 96.2% over the monthly average of LKR 1.7Bn.

Banking sector led the daily turnover with a share of 20%, followed by the Capital Goods, and Materials sectors collectively contributing 36%. Foreign investors remained net sellers, posting a net outflow of LKR 63.1Mn.

BOND MARKET

Secondary market opens the week on mixed sentiment

The secondary market concluded a mixed session amid moderate trading volumes and relatively subdued activity, whilst the yield curve remained broadly stable. Despite some notable buying interest across selected maturities, the overall mixed sentiment and limited market activity kept yields largely unchanged.

Amongst the trades that were seen, starting at the short end, the 15.09.2029 maturity traded at 10.90%. This was followed by the 2030 segment, within which the 01.03.2030, 01.08.2030 and 15.10.2030 maturities traded from 11.10% to 11.15%. Moving along the curve, the 01.12.2031 bond traded at 11.30%, the 15.12.2032 bond traded at 11.68%, and within the 2033 segment, the 01.06.2033 and 01.11.2033 bonds changed hands between 11.89% to 11.95%.

The 15.10.2034 maturity traded at 12.10%, and lastly, the 15.08.2036 bond traded at 12.45%. On the external front, the LKR depreciated against the greenback, standing at LKR 332.56/USD compared to LKR 332.41/USD recorded earlier. Market liquidity in the banking system expanded to LKR 429.10Bn compared to LKR 422.29Bn seen previously.

-First Capital Research-