New Delhi, April 19 -- 1) The Reserve Bank of India's Rs.40,000 crore open market operation (OMO) auction on Thursday witnessed robust participation, with total bids reaching Rs.81,015 crore. Banks and primary dealers actively sought longer-tenure bonds, which were offered at favorable prices. The 7.23% GS 2039 bond, auctioned at 105.7 compared to its market price of 103.8, attracted the highest demand. Meanwhile, the 7.37% GS 2028 bond was auctioned close to its market price of 104.1. Experts noted that softening bond yields and favorable pricing contributed to the strong response.

2) The rupee opened 20 paise higher at 85.48 against the dollar on April 17, supported by positive domestic economic data and steady foreign fund inflows. Th...