The Colombo Bourse closed on a mixed note today, with the ASPI declining by 48 points to 22,209 and the S&P SL20 shedding 12 points to close at 6,182.

Investor sentiment remained cautious as selling pressure in selected blue-chip counters weighed on market performance. Turnover remained subdued, while both HNW and retail participation stayed at low levels.

The main negative contributors to the ASPI were SAMP, JKH, LOLC, GRAN, and RICH. Daily turnover stood at LKR 1.2Bn, marking a decrease of 55.1% over the monthly average of LKR 2.7Bn. Capital Goods sector led the daily turnover with a share of 16%, followed by the Telecommunication and Materials sectors collectively contributing 32%. Foreign investors remained net sellers, posting a net outflow of LKR 130.7Mn.

BOND MARKET

Mixed sentiment persists in the secondary market

Secondary bond market sentiment remained mixed, similar to the previous session, while trading volumes stayed at moderate levels. Investor interest was especially visible in the mid- to belly-end of the yield curve, while activity was primarily driven by primary dealers and banking sector participants.

Among the maturities traded, 01.05.2028, 15.10.2028 and 15.12.2029 traded at 10.60%, 10.65% and 10.90% respectively. Over the 2030 segment, 01.08.2030 traded between 11.19% and 11.14%, while 15.10.2030 traded between 11.23% and 11.15%.

Moving ahead, 15.01.2033 changed hands within the range of 11.59% - 11.55% and 01.11.2033 traded between 11.70% - 11.60%. Moreover, 15.06.2034 traded in the range of 11.67% and 11.65%. Finally, 15.03.2035 was dealt at 11.80%.

The PDMO successfully raised the full offered amount of LKR 70.0Bn, attracting total bids of LKR 130.5Bn. Of the amount raised, all 3-month, 6-month and 1-year tenors were fully accepted at LKR 35.0Bn, LKR 25.0Bn and LKR 10.0Bn, while the weighted average yields rose by 12bps to 10.14%, 5bps to 10.21% and 1bp to 10.17% respectively.

On the external front, the LKR depreciated against the USD, standing at LKR 334.77/USD, compared to LKR 334.54/USD seen earlier. Liquidity in the banking system slightly contracted to LKR 61.04Bn from LKR 64.26Bn recorded previously.

Popular maturities traded during the day:

01.05.2028: Unchanged

15.10.2028: Unchanged

15.12.2029: Unchanged

01.08.2030: Unchanged

15.10.2030: (-6bps)

15.01.2033: Unchanged

15.06.2034: (-6bps)

15.03.2025: (-8bps)

-First Capital Research