Crossings dominate market

Market turnover passed the Rs 1 Bn mark for the first ti me in almost a month, backed by parcel trades in Commercial Leasing and Finance, Lanka Orix Leasing Company and Ceylon Grain Elevators. However, both indices lost ground with price losses in counters such as Lanka Orix Leasing Company, Bukit Darah and Chevron Lubricants. Additionally, some activity was seen in E-Channelling and Distilleries.

Bank, Finance and Insurance sector became the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Commercial Leasing & Finance and Lanka Orix Leasing Company) and the sector index gained 0.24%. The share price of Commercial Leasing & Finance closed flat at Rs 3.80. The share price of Lanka Orix Leasing Company plunged Rs 3.60 (4.65%) to close at Rs 73.90 with t he counter’s foreign holding increasing by 3,862,645 shares.

Manufacturing sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Ceylon Grain Elevators) and the sector index declined 1.24%. The share price of Ceylon Grain Elevators dipped Rs 0.40 (1.09%) to close at Rs 36.40.

John Keells Holdings and Three Acre Farms were also among the top con- tributors to turnover with the share price of John Keells Holdings closed flat at Rs 210.00 while the foreign holding of the share decreased 167,821 shares. The share price of Three Acre Farms inched up by Rs 0.20 (0.54%) to close at Rs 37.10.