Sri Lanka’s rupee opened up to the US dollar softer on the ground on Friday at 176.15/21, while bond returns decreased and shares opened up 0.5% higher.
On Thursday the greenback was closed with the rupee at 176.10/20. Bond rates in the secondary market in an active market are lowered, retailers said. A bond maturing on 15.10.2021 was quoted at 9.10/20 percent, falling from 9.12/318 percent at Thursday’s close. A bond maturing on 15.03.2023 was quoted at 9.62/70 percent, easing from 9.70/78 percent. A bond maturing on 15.6.2024 was quoted at 9.82/88 percent, down from 9.85/89 percent. A bond maturing on 01.08.2026 was quoted flat at 10.08/18 percent. A bond maturing on 15.01.2027 was quoted at 10.15/21 percent, declining from 10.17/21 percent. A 10-year bond maturing on 01.05.2029 was quoted 10.28/32 percent unchanged from the previous close.
In equities, Colombo’s All Share Price Index (ASPI) gained 27.72 points to 5,536.69 and S&P SL20 of more liquid stocks was up 1.05 percent, 27.15 points to 2,614.99, in the first half hour of trade.
The market turnover was 68.7 million rupees with 62 stocks gaining and 10 declinings.
John Keells Holdings PLC gained 2.90 rupees to 148.00 rupees a share, Commercial Bank of Ceylon was up 1.30 rupees at 96.90 rupees a share and Asiri Hospital Holdings PLC was 1.00 rupees up at 21.50 rupees a share, contributing to the ASPI’s gain.
