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Sri Lanka stocks gain 0.12-pct, rupee steadier
The rupee steadied to 155.35/40 rupees against the US dollar on bank selling, dealers said. The US dollar closed at 156.40/50 rupees the previous day.
Gilt yields were mostly stable after benchmark yields eased at Wednesday's Treasury bill auction, dealers said.
The one-year Treasury bill fell 6 basis points from a week ago to 9.65 percent while three month bills fell 3 basis points to 8.15 percent.
A five year bond maturing in 2023 saw yields close at 9.95/10.00 percent in two way quotes, unchanged from the previous day.
A ten year bond maturing on 2028 was quoted at 10.25/32 percent, up marginally from 10.25/30 percent the previous close.
The Colombo All Share index gained 7.58 points to 6,551.83, and the S&P SL20 of more liquid stocks closed flat, up 3.17 points to 3,690.79.
Market turnover was 188 million rupees, down from 315.4 million rupees the previous day.
Ceylon Tobacco (gaining 12.50 rupees to 1,062.50 rupees) and Commercial Bank (up 1.50 rupees to 138 rupees) contributed to the benchmark index's gain.
John Keells Holdings gained 70 cents to 160.20 rupees and Ceylinco Insurance closed 44 rupees higher at 1,842.50 rupees.
Net foreign buying was 24.3 million rupees, compared to buying of 9.5 million rupees the previous day.
Net foreign buying in Aitken Spence was 31 million rupees, and net selling in Dialog was 24 million rupees, according to Asia Securities.
Aitken Spence gained 60 cents to 51.50 rupees. (COLOMBO, 18 April, 2018)