Currency remains flat near 300 against USD, long-term bond yields soften, and market indices edge upward
The Sri Lankan rupee opened flat in the spot market on Thursday, trading at 299.95/300.05 against the US dollar, unchanged from the previous day, according to market dealers. While the currency held steady, bond yields on key maturities continued their downward trend, indicating improved investor sentiment and easing inflation expectations.
Government securities saw mild buying interest, with the bond maturing on 15 June 2029 quoted at 9.30/9.32 percent. The bond maturing on 15 September 2029 followed closely, quoted at 9.37/9.38 percent. Meanwhile, the 15 March 2031 bond was seen at 9.92/9.95 percent, and the longer-dated 15 December 2032 bond remained flat at 10.35/10.40 percent.
In the equity markets, trading opened on a positive note. The benchmark All Share Price Index (ASPI) rose by 0.24 percent, or 42.95 points, to reach 18,184.74. The S&P SL20 Index, which tracks the performance of 20 leading companies, also moved upward by 0.20 percent, or 10.63 points, to settle at 5,369.67.
The flat performance of the rupee combined with easing yields and positive equity sentiment reflects a relatively stable macroeconomic environment for the day, although external pressures remain a key variable for Sri Lanka’s financial trajectory.