Reporting on stock market trends, bond yields, commodity prices, and currency exchange rates, along with analysis of how these factors impact investors and businesses.
The Colombo Stock Exchange experienced a downturn on Monday, with the All Share Index declining by 0.23 percent and the S&P SL20 Index falling by 0.65 percent. Market turnover was lower compared to the previous week, totaling 2.1 billion. Analysts attributed the market movement to profit-taking activities ahead of upcoming elections and discussions on debt
According to the Financial Times, Sri Lanka is exploring innovative debt restructuring measures, including the introduction of GDP-tied payouts into bonds, in an effort to attract international investors back to emerging markets. The country and its bondholders have reportedly agreed in principle to replace its $13 billion debt in default with macro-linked bonds that would
Samsung Electronics, a leading South Korean semiconductor and smartphone giant, reported a significant tenfold increase in operating profits for the last quarter. This surge was primarily fueled by the expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, which led to a rebound in the computer memory chip markets. The company’s operating profit for the January to March
Sri Lanka recently auctioned 99.7 billion rupees worth of bonds maturing in 2028, 2030, and 2032, as reported by the state debt office. The auction saw successful sales across the board, with 15 March 2028 bonds fetching an average yield of 11.72 percent for the offered 25 billion rupees. Additionally, all 30 billion rupees of
Fitch Ratings has affirmed UB Finance PLC’s National Long-Term Rating at ‘BB(lka)’ with a stable outlook. The rating reflects expectations of strong support from Union Bank of Colombo PLC (UB), which owns a significant stake in UB Finance. However, the rating is tempered by UB Finance’s relative size and its limited importance within the UB
The Joint Apparel Association Forum Sri Lanka (JAAFSL) is highlighting the significance of trade agreements to enhance the competitiveness of the local apparel sector. According to JAAFSL Secretary General Yohan Lawrence, joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) could unlock new markets in Japan, South Korea, and Australia for Sri Lanka’s apparel industry. Lawrence noted
The Sri Lankan rupee opened stronger against the US dollar, starting at 297.10/20 compared to the previous day’s close of 297.95/298.10, according to dealers. Bond market indicators showed some fluctuations: a bond maturing on 15.12.2026 was quoted lower at 11.30/34 percent, down from 11.30/40 percent; while a bond maturing on 15.09.2027 was quoted down at
The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) appears to be heading for a positive year in 2024, mirroring the anticipated improvement in the Sri Lankan economy as a whole. This optimistic outlook is shared by Dilshan Wirasekara, Chairman of the CSE. Wirasekara highlights a significant rise in economic activity, which is now translating into increased activity on
