The Colombo Bourse closed in positive territory today, with the ASPI gaining 367 points to end at 21,637 and the S&P SL20 rising 92 points to close the day at 6,027.

Investor sentiment improved during the session as easing geopolitical concerns boosted buying interest in selected blue-chip counters.

HNW participation remained low, while retail participation remained at average levels. The positive contributors to the ASPI were HNB, COMB, JKH, DFCC, and RIL. Daily turnover stood at LKR 2.0Bn, marking a decrease of 33.0% over the monthly average of LKR 3.0Bn

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Banking sector led the daily turnover with a share of 25%, followed by the Capital Goods, and Materials sectors collectively contributing 22%. Foreign investors turned net buyers, posting a net inflow of LKR 24.4Mn.

BOND MARKET

Secondary market closes the week with buying sentiment

The secondary market witnessed a pickup in buying sentiment today as the market responded positively to the de-escalation of the hostile situation in the Middle East, resulting in a modest easing in yields.

Amongst the maturities that traded today, starting with the 2028 segment, the 15.02.2028 and the 15.03.2028 maturities traded from 11.40% to 11.45%, followed by the 01.05.2028 maturity from 11.75% to 11.70%.

Moving along, the 15.09.2029 maturity traded at 11.80%, and within the 2030 segment, the 01.03.2030, 01.05 2030 and 01.08.2030 bonds traded between 12.07% to 11.95%.

The 15.12.2032 maturity changed hands from 12.60% to 12.30%, and lastly, the 15.03.2035 maturity traded from 12.90% to 12.88%.

On the external front, the LKR depreciated against the USD, standing at LKR 333.39/USD, compared to LKR 331.00/USD seen earlier. Liquidity in the banking system contracted to LKR 62.57Bn from LKR 66.62Bn recorded previously.

-First Capital Research-