Bond prices firm up, call rates ease

Government bond prices firmed up sharply on good demand from banks and corporates while call rates ended lower on the overnight call money market here on Thursday due to lack of enquiries from borrowing banks.

The 8.24 per cent government security maturing in 2018 firmed up to Rs 103.51, from Rs 103.18 previously while its yield eased to 7.71 per cent from 7.76 per cent.

The 7.95 per cent government security maturing in 2032 shot up to Rs 96.50, from Rs 96 while its yield moved down to 8.29 per cent from 8.34 per cent.

The 5.87 per cent government security maturing in 2010 hardened to Rs 98.70 from Rs 98.40 while its yield declined to 7.05 per cent from 7.33 per cent. The 7.94 per cent government security maturing in 2021 rose to Rs 99.75 from Rs 99.00 while its yield looked down to 7.97 per cent from 8.07 per cent.

The 5.48 per cent government security maturing in 2009 and the 8.24 per cent government security maturing in 2027 also quoted higher at Rs 99.13 and Rs 99.30 respectively.

The overnight call money rate finished lower at 6.30 per cent as against 6.75 per cent previously after moving in a range of 7.00 per cent and 6.25 per cent.