Market News
View all(115)📈 Sri Lanka Stocks Slip on Open as Benchmark ASPI Sheds 0.24%
• Market Performance: The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) opened lower on Thursday, Oct 8, 2026. The benchmark All Share Price Index (ASPI) dropped 0.24% (down 49.31 points) to 20,468.24, while the liquid S&P SL20 gained 0.10% (up 5.99 points) to 5,822.39. • Turnover & Sector Highlights: Total market turnover stood at LKR 124.93 Mn. The market was led by the banking sector with LKR 23.03 Mn in turnover, followed by capital goods at LKR 20.08 Mn. • Top Movers: • Gainers: Odel (+7.22% at LKR 10.40), Asiri Surgical Hospital (+0.99% at LKR 10.20), Hatton National Bank (+0.20% at LKR 380.00). • Decliners: Ambeon Holdings (-13.29% at LKR 30.00), Citizens Development Business Finance (-3.56% at LKR 32.50), Distilleries (-0.57% at LKR 52.30), John Keells Holdings (-0.54% at LKR 18.30). • Corporate Updates: People’s Leasing & Finance listed its 5-year rated, subordinated, unsecured, redeemable debentures (2026) on the CSE on Oct 8, offering a 13.75% fixed annual coupon.
📈 Sri Lanka T-Bill Yields Rise Marginally; Full Rs 80 Bn Sold
• Auction Overview: Sri Lanka's Public Debt Management Office fully raised the targeted Rs 80 Bn at Wednesday's Treasury bill auction, despite slight yield increases on shorter maturities. • Yield & Yield Breakdown: • 3-Month: Rose 1 bps to 9.26% (Rs 35 Bn offered, Rs 44.11 Bn sold). • 6-Month: Rose 3 bps to 9.44% (Rs 25 Bn offered, Rs 29.50 Bn sold). • 12-Month: Held unchanged at 9.95% (Rs 20 Bn offered, Rs 6.38 Bn sold). • Market Availability: The 6-month and 12-month tenors remain available on tap following the auction.
📈 Sri Lanka Market Update: Rupee Marginally Weaker, Bond Yields Mixed
• Foreign Exchange: The Sri Lankan rupee quoted slightly weaker at 331.00/15 per US dollar spot (compared to 330.90/331.00 previously). TT buying/selling rates stood at 326.50/335.50 for the USD, 363.48/377.26 for the EUR, and 430.54/444.65 for the GBP. • Government Securities: Bond yields traded largely steady across major maturities: - 2029 (15.12.2029): 10.80/11.00% (down from 10.85/11.00%) - 2030 (01.08.2030): 11.25/35% (flat) - 2030 (15.10.2030): 11.30/38% (down from 11.35/40%) - 2031 (01.02.2031): 11.35/45% (down from 11.40/45%) - 2032 (15.12.2032): 11.75/85% (up from 11.70/80%) - 2033 (01.06.2033): 11.90/95% (up from 11.80/95%) - 2034 (15.10.2034): 12.00/10% (up from 12.05/10%) • Equity Market: Mixed movements on the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE): - All Share Price Index (ASPI): Down 0.04% (-7.06 pts) to 20,509 - S&P SL20 Index: Up 0.10% (+5.99 pts) to 5,822
📈 Global Oil Supply Shock: Brent Crosses $100
Global oil prices surged on supply disruption risks, directly threatening net oil importers like Sri Lanka through higher energy & transport costs and import bill pressure. • Price Movements • Brent Crude: US$ 101.51/bbl (up 0.92% / +$0.93) • US WTI Crude: US$ 90.25/bbl (up 0.92% / +$0.82) • Key Supply Drivers • US Gulf Storm: Approaching hurricane threatens 15% of US crude and 5% of natural gas output, impacting ~50% of national refining capacity (18.2mn bpd). • Middle East Conflict: Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia's Jazan and Najran airports escalate supply risks despite regional shipments reaching 12mn bpd of crude. • US Inventory: US crude stocks dropped by 2.09mn barrels (week ended Oct 2). • Impact on Sri Lanka's Economy • Higher crude import costs threaten trade balance stability and forex reserves. • Potential pass-through risks to domestic fuel pricing affect logistics & freight and core manufacturing sectors like apparel & textiles.
📈 Fitch Rates MBSL’s Proposed Rs. 1 Bn Subordinated Debt at ‘BBB+(EXP)(lka)’
• Overall Issue Details: Fitch Ratings has assigned an expected National Long-Term Rating of ‘BBB+(EXP)(lka)’ to Merchant Bank of Sri Lanka & Finance PLC’s (MBSL) proposed LKR-denominated subordinated listed debentures of up to Rs. 1 Bn. • Structure & Use of Proceeds: The debentures will have a 5-year maturity and will be listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange. Proceeds will be used to comply with regulatory capital adequacy requirements. • Rating Rationale & Notching: The issue is rated two notches below MBSL’s National Long-Term Rating of ‘A(lka)/Stable’, reflecting baseline loss-severity expectations for subordinated debt and anticipated poor recoveries in default. Fitch applied bank rating criteria as Sri Lanka's finance company capital framework closely mirrors banking standards. • Parental Support: MBSL’s rating is anchored by expected extraordinary support from parent entity Bank of Ceylon (BOC, ‘AA-(lka)/Stable’), which holds an 84.4% stake, provides equity support, and maintains strategic board control. • Status: Rating is provisional based on preliminary data and subject to final conforming documentation.
📈 Sri Lanka Market Brief: Bond Yields Edge Up Ahead of Rs. 80 Bn T-Bill Auction
• Secondary Bond Market: Selling interest pushed yields marginally higher across selected maturities despite increased market activity and transaction volumes. • 15.12.28: 10.55% • 01.08.30: 11.25% • 15.10.30: 11.25%–11.35% • 01.02.31: 11.30%–11.35% • 15.12.32: 11.72% • 15.06.34 & 15.10.34: 12.05% • Treasury Bill Auction: Public Debt Management Office offering Rs. 80.00 Bn today (Rs. 35.00 Bn in 91-day, Rs. 25.00 Bn in 182-day, Rs. 20.00 Bn in 364-day) to match Rs. 80.95 Bn in maturing bills. At the previous auction, weighted average yields rose for the 3rd consecutive week: • 91-day: 9.25% (+5 bps) • 182-day: 9.41% (+4 bps) • 364-day: 9.95% (+2 bps) • Full Rs. 80.00 Bn raised in Phase-1 (bids 2.51x offered) and Rs. 8.00 Bn in Phase-2. • Money Market Liquidity: Net surplus recorded at Rs. 111.98 Bn. Central Bank absorbed Rs. 18.35 Bn via overnight repo at 8.73%. Rs. 93.78 Bn deposited at SDFR (8.25%) and Rs. 0.15 Bn withdrawn at SLFR📈 Sri Lanka Secondary Bond Market Yields Edge Up Ahead of Rs. 80 Bn T-Bill Auction • Secondary Bond Market: Selling interest pushed yields marginally higher despite increased activity and transaction volumes. Traded rates included: - 15.12.28 at 10.55% - 01.08.30 at 11.25% - 15.10.30 at 11.25%–11.35% - 01.02.31 at 11.30%–11.35% - 15.12.32 at 11.72% - 15.06.34 and 15.10.34 at 12.05% • Government Securities & T-Bill Auction: - Scheduled auction on offer: Rs. 80 Bn total (Rs. 35 Bn for 91-day, Rs. 25 Bn for 182-day, Rs. 20 Bn for 364-day), matching estimated maturing debt of Rs. 80.95 Bn. - Previous auction results: Yields rose for the 3rd consecutive week (91-day to 9.25%, 182-day to 9.41%, 364-day to 9.95%). The full Rs. 80 Bn was raised in Phase-1 (bids 2.51x offered amount), with an extra Rs. 8 Bn raised in Phase-2. • Liquidity & Money Market: - Net liquidity surplus stood at Rs. 111.98 Bn. - Rs. 93.78 Bn deposited at SDFR (8.25%); Rs. 0.15 Bn accessed via SLFR (9.25%). - Central Bank absorbed Rs. 18.35 Bn via overnight repo auction at 8.73%. - Call money and repo weighted average rates held at 8.99% and 9.05%. • Foreign Exchange Market: - Rupee (USD/LKR) depreciated slightly to close at Rs. 330.85/330.95 (from Rs. 330.60/330.70 previously). - Daily traded volume recorded at US$ 35.50 Mn.
📈 Sri Lanka Stocks Recover to Close Flat
• Market Overview: The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) ended flat on Tuesday, with the benchmark All Share Price Index (ASPI) inching up 0.03% (+5.97 points) to close at 20,650.23. The more liquid S&P SL20 index dropped 0.05% (-2.74 points) to 5,844.28. • Turnover & Activity: Daily turnover reached LKR 1.06 Bn, showing slight improvement over recent sessions. Major crossings were recorded in Citizens Development Business Finance (CDB), Commercial Bank, Ceylon Cold Stores (CCS), and plantation stocks. • Sector Breakdown: The Food, Beverage & Tobacco industry led total turnover, generating LKR 243.40 Mn. • Top Gainers: • Ambeon Holdings (+8.05% to LKR 34.90) • LOLC Finance (+2.00% to LKR 5.10) • Ceylinco Holdings (+1.60% to LKR 2,898.50) • PGP Glass Ceylon (+1.45% to LKR 56.10) • Top Losers: • Asiri Surgical Hospital (-21.88% to LKR 10.00) • Haycarb (-1.69% to LKR 203.50) • Overseas Realty (-0.97% to LKR 51.00) • Hatton National Bank (-0.39% to LKR 380.50) • Corporate News: Renuka Agri Foods listed 6,117,161 Ordinary Voting Shares following a 1:130.59 scrip dividend payout.
📉 Sri Lankan Rupee Weakens to 330.85/95 Against US Dollar; Bond Yields Rise
• Currency Market: The Sri Lankan rupee closed weaker in the spot market at 330.85/95 against the US dollar on Tuesday, compared to 330.60/70 recorded on the previous day. • Government Securities & Yields: Yields across key sovereign bonds closed higher across all maturities: • 01.08.2030 bond: Rose to 11.20/25% (up from 11.12/20%) • 15.10.2030 bond: Increased to 11.27/33% (up from 11.20/25%) • 01.02.2031 bond: Climbed to 11.30/35% (up from 11.25/30%) • 15.12.2032 bond: Extended to 11.70/75% (up from 11.67/75%) • 15.10.2034 bond: Ticked up to 12.00/10% (up from 11.95/12.05%) • Upcoming Liquidity Auction: An auction of LKR 80,000 Mn (Rs. 80 Bn) in Treasury bills is scheduled for October 7.
📈 CBSL Open Market Operations Update (06 Oct 2026)
• Overnight Money Market Dynamics Call Money Market: Weighted average rate stood at 8.99% (range: 8.55% - 9.02%) with total volume of Rs. 28,050 Mn. Repo Market: Weighted average rate reached 9.05% (range: 9.02% - 9.07%) with volume totaling Rs. 76,174 Mn. • Central Bank Open Market Operations Overnight Repo Auction: CBSL offered Rs. 50,000 Mn; received and accepted bids totaling Rs. 18,350 Mn at a weighted average yield of 8.73% (accepted rates: 8.72% - 8.75%). Short-Term Repo Auction: Offered Rs. 30,000 Mn for a 7-day maturity; no bids were submitted or accepted. • Standing Facilities & Treasury Holdings Standing Deposit Facility (SDF): Market participants placed Rs. 93,775 Mn. Standing Lending Facility (SLF): Total usage recorded at Rs. 150 Mn. CBSL T-Bill/Bond Holdings: Face value stood at Rs. 2,492.62 Bn (Book Value: Rs. 1,530.72 Bn).
📉 Sri Lanka Rupee Weakens to 330.65/75 Against US Dollar; Bond Yields Edge Up
• Foreign Exchange Market: The Sri Lankan rupee depreciated slightly in the spot market to 330.65/75 against the US dollar on Tuesday, compared to 330.60/70 previously. Telegraphic transfer rates for the USD stood at LKR 326.20 buying and LKR 335.20 selling. • Government Securities & Yields: Yields across key sovereign bonds moved up slightly across maturities: • Aug 1, 2030: 11.20/30% (up from 11.12/20%) • Oct 15, 2030: 11.35/40% (up from 11.20/25%)📈 Sri Lankan Rupee Softens Slightly; Bond Yields Edge Higher • Currency Market: The Sri Lankan rupee weakened slightly against the US dollar in the spot market, quoted at 330.65/75 compared to 330.60/70 on the previous day. Telegraphic transfer rates stood at 326.20 buying / 335.20 selling for the USD, 363.31 buying / 377.09 selling for the EUR, and 430.08 buying / 444.19 selling for the GBP. • Government Securities: Secondary market bond yields edged up across key maturities: • 01.08.2030: 11.20/30% (up from 11.12/20%) • 15.10.2030: 11.35/40% (up from 11.20/25%) • 01.02.2031: 11.30/40% (up from 11.25/30%) • 15.12.2032: 11.70/80% (up from 11.67/75%) • 15.10.2034: 12.00/10% (up from 11.95/12.05%) • Equity Market: The Colombo Stock Exchange traded in positive territory: • All Share Price Index (ASPI): Up 0.25% (+51.01 pts) to 20,695 • S&P SL20 Index: Up 0.30% (+16.45 pts) to 5,864
📈 Sri Lanka Stocks Stay Green in Mid-Day Trade; ASPI Up 0.46%
• Market Performance: Benchmark All Share Price Index (ASPI) rose 94.06 points (+0.46%) to 20,738.32, while the S&P SL20 gained 16.02 points (+0.27%) to reach 5,863.04. Market turnover stood at LKR 426 Mn. • Top Index Contributors: Gains were primarily led by banking & finance and diversified holdings, including Commercial Bank (up 75 cents to LKR 201.75), Ambeon Holdings (up LKR 3.00 to LKR 35.30), and LOLC Finance (up 30 cents to LKR 5.30). • New Share Listings: Three companies listed new ordinary voting shares following scrip dividend distributions: • Renuka Agri Foods (agribusiness): Listed 6.12 Mn shares (1:130.59 ratio); stock up 50 cents to LKR 11.40. • Maharaja Foods (food processing): Listed 730,468 shares (1:188.24 ratio); stock up 20 cents to LKR 14.70. • Ceylon Land & Equity (real estate): Listed 4.55 Mn shares (1:202.33 ratio); stock remained flat at LKR 7.60. • Corporate Dividend: Hatton Plantations (plantation sector) declared a first interim • Market Overview: The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) maintained positive momentum in mid-day trading. • ASPI: Up 0.46% (+94.06 points) to 20,738.32. • S&P SL20: Up 0.27% (+16.02 points) to 5,863.04. • Market Turnover: Stood at Rs. 426 million. • Top Index Contributors: Gains were driven by banking & finance and conglomerate stocks, including Commercial Bank (+Rs. 0.75 to Rs. 201.75), Ambeon Holdings (+Rs. 3.00 to Rs. 35.30), and LOLC Finance (+Rs. 0.30 to Rs. 5.30). • Corporate Developments: • Agriculture & Food: New ordinary voting shares were listed following scrip dividends for Renuka Agri Foods (+Rs. 0.50 to Rs. 11.40) and Maharaja Foods (+Rs. 0.20 to Rs. 14.70). • Real Estate: Ceylon Land & Equity listed new shares following a scrip dividend; stock remained flat at Rs. 7.60. • Plantations: Hatton Plantations announced a first interim dividend of Rs. 1.00 per share for FY 2026/27.
📈 Sri Lanka Secondary Bond & Money Market Update
• Secondary Bond Market: Trading started the week on a subdued note with sparse transactions. Yields held steady at prevailing levels. • 15.10.28 maturity: traded at 10.51% - 10.53% • 01.08.30 maturity: traded at 11.15% • 15.10.34 maturity: traded at 12.00% • Money Market & Central Bank Liquidity: Net liquidity surplus stood at Rs. 177.45 Bn. • Rs. 82.11 Bn deposited at the Central Bank SDFR (8.25%) • Rs. 0.17 Bn accessed via SLFR (9.25%) • Central Bank DOD liquidity absorption: Rs. 60.50 Bn (overnight repo @ 8.75%), Rs. 35.00 Bn (7-day repo @ 8.75%), and Rs. 30.00 Bn (31-day term repo @ 9.13%) • Weighted average overnight call money rate closed at 8.99%; repos at 9.05% • Forex Market: The Rupee remained steady against the US Dollar, closing at Rs. 330.60/330.70 per USD compared to Rs. 330.59/330.64 previously. • USD/LKR Traded Volume: Total volume for October 2 stood at US$ 75.30 Mn.