CSE trading indicated some volatility yesterday at the outset but later buying interest was noted in select speculative companies, market analysts said.Amid those developments both indices moved. The All Share Price Index went up by 14.9 points while the S and P SL20 rose by 1.38 points. Turnover stood at Rs 2.1 billion with four crossings.

Those crossings were: Commercial Bank 505,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 106 million; its shares traded at Rs 210, Overseas Reality1 million shares crossed for Rs 48 million; its shares traded at Rs 48, Central Finance 115,000 shares crossed for 30 million; its shares traded at Rs 260 and ACL Cables 287,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 28 million; its shares traded at Rs 97.

In the retail market companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; Luminex Rs 133 million (12 million shares traded), HVA Foods Rs 119 million (14 million shares traded), Ceylon Land and Equity Rs 76 million (6.8 million shares traded), Commercial Bank Rs 46.8 million (222,000 shares traded) hZenid Rs 46 million (1.7 million shares traded) and Exterminator Rs 45.7 million (2.7 million shares traded). During the day 120 million share volumes changed hands in 23424 transactions.

It is said that banking sector counters, especially Commercial Bank, performed well, IT solutions companies, especially hZenid, also performed well. Manufacturing sector companies, especially ACL Cables, was also significantly active at the floor.

Yesterday the rupee was quoted at Rs 317.75/318.25 to the US dollar in the spot market, after hitting Rs 318.25/319.00 the previous day, dealers said, while bond yields were broadly steady.

A bond maturing on 01.07.2028 was quoted at 9.70/80 percent, down from 9.75/78 percent.

A bond maturing on 15.06.2029 was quoted at 9.90/95 percent.

A bond maturing on 15.10.2029 was quoted at 9.95/10.00 percent, down from 9.95/10.05 percent.

A bond maturing on 15.12.2029 was quoted flat at 10.00/05 percent.

A bond maturing on 01.03.2030 was quoted at 10.00/05 percent.

A bond maturing on 15.12.2032 was quoted at 10.75/85 percent, down from 10.70/90 percent.

A bond maturing on 01.11.2033 was quoted flat at 10.95/11.05 percent, up from 10.95/11.00 percent.

By Hiran H Senewiratne