The Colombo Bourse closed in positive territory today, with the ASPI gaining 144 points to 21,547 and the S&P SL20 rising by 32 points to 6,001.

Investor sentiment improved during the session as renewed buying interest in selected blue-chip counters helped the market recover from the losses recorded in recent sessions.

HNW participation remained high, while retail participation remained at average levels. The positive contributors to the ASPI were DIAL, BREW, SAMP, LOLC, and MELS.

Daily turnover stood at LKR 2.2Bn, marking a decrease of 34.1% compared to the monthly average of LKR 3.3Bn. Capital Goods sector led the daily turnover with a share of 37%, followed by the Food Beverage & Tobacco, and Consumer Durables & Apparel sectors collectively contributing 31%. Foreign investors turned into net buyers, posting a net inflow of LKR 22.6Mn.

BOND MARKET

Trading activity remains constrained

The secondary market withstood yet another lacklustre trading day marked by thin trading volumes. Sentiment remained cautious prompting the yield curve to hold firm.

Noteworthy trading activity clustered around short tenors with select interest particularly visible across 2028 and 2030 maturities.

Consequently, 01.07.2028 was seen changing hands at 11.80%. Moving ahead, 01.03.2030 and 15.05.2030 traded at 12.20% and 12.30% respectively.

On the external front, the LKR depreciated against the USD, standing at LKR 336.82/USD, compared to LKR 336.39/USD seen earlier. Liquidity in the banking system contracted to LKR 69.18Bn from LKR 73.25Bn recorded previously.

First Capital Research