Bond prices firm up, call rates ease

MONEY MARKET ROUND-UP

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

The 8.24 per cent government paper maturing in 2018 firmed up to Rs 103.70 from Rs 103.45 previously, while its yield eased to 7.68 per cent from 7.72 per cent.The 7.94 per cent government paper maturing in 2021 shot up to Rs 99.99 from Rs 99.61, while its yield moved down to 7.94 per cent from 7.99 per cent.

The 7.38 per cent government paper maturing in 2015 hardened to Rs 98.70 from Rs 98.31, while its yield looked down to 7.63 per cent from 7.70 per cent.

The overnight call money rate finished lower at 7.50 per cent as against 7.75 per cent previously after moving in a range of 7.25 per cent and 7.50 per cent.