Date:21/04/2007 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2007/04/21/stories/2007042105440600.htm

Back Bond prices rise slightly

Our Bureau

Mumbai, April 20

Bond prices rose slightly on ample liquidity in the system. Total traded volumes on the order-matching system were Rs 2,310 crore (Rs 3,745 crore). Dealers said call rates cooled to 9.5-9.75 per cent with more rupees on hand. However, domestic inflation for the week-ended April 7, rose to 6.09 per cent, against the previous week's 5.74 per cent.

Market participants had expected inflation around 5.79 per cent. "The higher inflation numbers led to selling and speculation over another hike in interest rates by the RBI on April 24," said a dealer at a private bank. Bond prices recovered at close as there was Statutory Liquidity Ratio-related demand from banks on bond redemptions. Traders said a government security worth Rs 7,700 crore was maturing on Saturday, which could improve fund position. The 8.07 per cent - 10 year-2017 paper opened at Rs 99.98 (8.07 per cent YTM) and closed at Rs 100.02 (8.06 per cent YTM), against Thursday's close at Rs 99.95 (8.07 per cent YTM). The 7.38 per cent-8 year 2015 paper opened at Rs 95.48 (8.13 per cent YTM) and closed at Rs 95.47 (8.13 per cent YTM), against the previous close at Rs 95.42 (8.14 per cent YTM).