Bonds settle mixed

Government securities settled mixed on alternate bouts of buying and selling.

The 9.15 per cent government security maturing in 2024 moved up to Rs 101.04 from Rs 100.99 yesterday, while its yield softened to 9.01 per cent from 9.02 per cent. The 7.99 per cent government security maturing in 2017 rose to Rs 95.85 from Rs 95.75, while its yield eased to 8.94 per cent from 8.96 per cent and the 8.28 per cent government security maturing in 2027 also quoted higher at Rs 92.85 from Rs 92.83 previously.

However, the 7.80 per cent government security maturing 2021 moved down to Rs 92.62 from 92.66, while its yield inched up to 8.98 per cent from 8.97 per cent. The 7.83 per cent government security maturing in 2018 declined to Rs 94.64 from Rs 94.69, while its yield looked up to 8.95 per cent from 8.93 per cent.

The 8.13 per cent government security maturing in 2022 and the 8.30 per cent government security maturing 2040 also quoted lower at Rs 93.95 and Rs 90.70, respectively.

The Reserve Bank of India, under the Liquidity Adjustment Facility, purchased securities worth Rs 1,04,470 crore from 36 bids at the one-day repo auction at a fixed rate of 8.50 per cent.

CALL RATE DECLINES
The call rate declined further at the overnight call money market here on Wednesday on lack of demand from borrowing banks amid ample liquidity in banking system. The overnight call money rate ended lower at 8.25 per cent from yesterday's close of 8.60. It moved in a range of 8.70 per cent and 8.25 per cent.