Govt raises Rs1.3tr, no rate cut in sight

Liquidity was in pursuit of investment opportunities as banks and the corporate sector collectively invested Rs1.385 trillion in Treasury bills (T-bills) on Wednesday. The government’s latest auction not only exceeded its target but also raised more than the amount maturing, reflecting strong demand for short-term government debt. Despite the overwhelming demand, the government kept the cut-off yields unchanged, signalling that there are no expectations of an interest rate cut in the near future. This was evident from the market trends, as banks were keen to park their liquidity in longer-term 12-month bonds. The highest bids, amounting to Rs556.5bn, were placed for 12-month T-bills, with the government raising the most substantial sum — Rs275.7bn — through this tenor. Additionally, the government raised Rs73bn for one-month bills, Rs41.3bn for three-month bills, and Rs23bn for six-month T-bills.