Indices close in red

ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Dialog Axiata, Hemas Holdings and Commercial Bank. A similar behavior was witnessed in the S&P SL20. The turnover crossed Rs 627 Mn for the day. High net worth and institutional investor participation was witnessed in John Keells Holdings, Commercial Bank and Hemas Holdings. Mixed interest was observed in Teejay Lanka and Access Engineering whilst retail interest was noted in Colombo Trust Finance and Lankem Developments. Meanwhile, foreigners remained active closing as net sellers mainly due to foreign selling in Commercial Bank. Total foreign sales accounted for 45.1% of turnover.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Commercial Bank and Hatton National Bank) whilst the sector index lost 0.02%. The share price of Commercial Bank lost Rs 1.00 (0.74%) closing at Rs 135.00 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 818,638 shares. The share price of Hatton National Bank moved up by Rs 1.70 (0.73%) to close at Rs 233.70.

Diversified sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.25%. The share price of John Keells Holdings increased by Rs 0.40 (0.25%) to close at Rs 161.00.

Teejay Lanka and Chevron Lubricants were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Teejay Lanka closed flat at Rs 40.00. The share price of Chevron Lubricants decreased by Rs 1.60 (1.26%) to close at Rs 125.70.