Foreign purchases boost turnover

The ASPI edged down due to price losses in counters such as Ceylon Tobacco Company, DFCC Bank and Dialog Axiata with turnover crossing Rs 1.4 Bn. Meanwhile, S&P SL20 edged up. Crossings were witnessed in Hatton National Bank and Melstacorp, accounting for 80.1% of turnover. Mixed interest was observed in John Keells Holdings and Softlogic Holdings whilst retail interest was noted in Lankem Developments. Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net buyers mainly due to foreign purchases in Hatton National Bank. Total foreign purchases accounted for 89.6% of turnover.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Hatton National Bank and Sampath Bank) whilst the sector index remained flat. The share price of Hatton National Bank increased by Rs 0.50 (0.20%) closing at Rs 250.50 whilst foreign holdings increased by 4,350,090 shares. The share price of Sampath Bank declined by Rs 0.80 (0.24%) to close at Rs 327.00.

Diversified sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Melstacorp, John Keells Holdings and Softlogic Holdings) whilst the sector index increased by 0.24%. The share price of Melstacorp gained Rs 1.10 (1.91%) to close at Rs 58.80. The share price of John Keells Holdings moved up by Rs 0.50 (0.32%) to close at Rs 156.00. The share price of Softlogic Holdings recorded a gain of Rs 0.30 (2.40%) to close at Rs 12.80.