Foreign purchases account for 74% of turnover

ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Dialog Axiata, John Keells Holdings and Lion Brewery whilst turnover crossed Rs 836 Mn. Similar behavior was witnessed in S&P SL20. Crossings were witnessed in Melstacorp Limited, DFCC Bank, Chevron Lubricants and People’s Insurance Limited accounting for 46.1% of turnover. Mixed interest was observed in Dialog Axiata and Renuka Holdings whilst retail interest was noted in Pan Asia Banking Corporation. Meanwhile, foreigners remained active closing as net buyers mainly due to foreign purchases in DFCC Bank. Total foreign purchases accounted for 73.7% of turnover.

Diversified sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Melstacorp Limited and John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index gained 0.40%. The share price of Melstacorp Limited increased by Rs 0.30 (0.46%) to close at Rs 65.30. The share price of John Keells Holdings moved up by Rs 1.60 (1.07%) to close at Rs 151.70.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to DFCC Bank) whilst the sector index increased by 0.28%. The share price of DFCC Bank increased by Rs 0.90 (0.75%) closing at Rs 120.90 whilst foreign holdings increased by 1,000,000 shares.

Chevron Lubricants and Dialog Axiata were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Chevron Lubricants closed flat at Rs 170.50. The share price of Dialog Axiata increased by Rs 0.30 (2.68%) to close at Rs 11.50.