Indices close in green

ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as John Keells Holdings, Cargills and John Keells Hotels whilst turnover crossed Rs 640 Mn. A similar behavior was witnessed in S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was witnessed in John Keells Holdings, Teejay Lanka and Commercial Bank. Mixed interest was observed in Commercial Credit & Finance whilst retail interest was noted in Tokyo Cement Company. Meanwhile, foreigners remained active closing as net buyers mainly due to foreign purchases in John Keells Holdings and Teejay Lanka. Total foreign purchases accounted for 66.4% of turnover.

Diversified sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index gained 1.19%. The share price of John Keells Holdings increased by Rs 2.90 (2.03%) closing at Rs 146.00 whilst foreign holdings increased by 1,217,512 shares.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Hatton National Bank, Commercial Bank and Commercial Credit & Finance) whilst the sector index increased by 1.22%. The share price of Hatton National Bank moved up by Rs 0.50 (0.22%) to close at Rs 225.00. The share price of Commercial Bank recorded a loss of Rs 0.70 (0.52%) to close at Rs 133.40. The share price of Commercial Credit & Finance increased by Rs 0.30 (0.71%) to close at Rs 42.30.

Teejay Lanka was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Teejay Lanka gained Rs 0.30 (0.78%) closing at Rs 39.00 whilst foreign holdings increased by 1,280,605 shares.