SBP raises Rs323.4bn from T-bill auction  

KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has reported that the government raised Rs323.4 billion through T-bills, against the auction target of Rs350 billion.

The SBP conducted the auction for the sale of 3-month, 6-month and 12-month Government of Pakistan Market Treasury Bills (MTBs) and received bids amounting to over Rs1,632 billion.

Bids worth Rs456.7 billion were received for 3-month T-bills, Rs355.7 billion for 6-month T-bills while 12-month government papers fetched bids amounting to Rs820.3 billion.

Out of the received bids, the federal government raised Rs128.6 billion from 3-month bids, Rs102.3 billion from 6-month T-bills and Rs92.5 billion from 12-month T-bills.

The total acceptance in the auction, including non-competitive bids, was Rs376.8 billion.

The cut-off yields for all bids decreased, with the cut-off yield for 3-month bids at 12.73pc down from 13.39pc.

The yield for 6-month bids was at 12.51pc, down from 13.34pc, and 12pc for 12-month bids, down from 13.33pc.

Just like previous auctions of MTBs, most of the bidding was concentrated in the short term 3-month T-bills. Previously, this bidding pattern had indicated possible anticipation of a policy rate cut.

Though the current interest rate has remained stubbornly at 13.25pc since July 16, 2019, there is a strong possibility that a rate cut may happen in the upcoming monetary policy announcement on March 17, based on global policy rate cuts.

The next auction date for T-bills is set for March 25, with a target amount of Rs450 billion.

Meiryum Ali
Meiryum Ali
The author is a member of the staff and can be reached at [email protected]

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