Currency edges up to 299.85 against USD; government bond market sees minimal movement amid ongoing T-bill auction
Sri Lanka’s rupee opened stronger in the spot market on Wednesday, trading at 299.85/300.15 against the US dollar, compared to 300.00/300.15 the previous day, signaling a mild appreciation. Currency dealers noted the gain as modest but consistent with broader market expectations.
Meanwhile, government bond yields remained mostly flat, reflecting investor caution and stability ahead of fiscal updates. A Treasury bill auction totaling Rs. 113 billion was underway during trading hours.
In the bond market, the yield on the government security maturing on 15 December 2026 held steady at 8.00/10 percent, while the 15 October 2028 bond was quoted at 8.80/90 percent with no change.
The yield on the 15 December 2029 bond showed a minor movement, quoted at 9.38/42 percent, slightly easing from the previous 9.40/41 percent. Longer-term maturities also remained unchanged, with the 15 December 2032 bond flat at 10.35/45 percent, and the 1 November 2033 bond quoted at 10.60/68 percent.
On the equities side, the Colombo Stock Exchange opened on a positive note with the All Share Price Index (ASPI) rising 0.04 percent to 18,003, indicating cautious optimism among investors.
As the Central Bank manages both currency stability and fiscal liquidity, the muted response in the bond market suggests that investors are adopting a wait-and-see approach while tracking macroeconomic cues and auction results.