Foreign purchases boost turnover

ASPI closed in green due to price gains in counters such as Dialog Axiata, Cargills and Commercial Bank with turnover crossing Rs 1.3 Bn. Meanwhile S&P SL20 edged up during the day. Crossings were witnessed in Hatton National Bank, Commercial Bank, Hemas Holdings and Lion Brewery, accounting for 79.0% of turnover. Mixed interest was observed in Softlogic Holdings and John Keells Holdings. Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net buyers mainly due to foreign purchasing in Hatton National Bank and Commercial Bank. Total foreign purchases accounted for 85.8% of turnover.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Hatton National Bank and Commercial Bank) whilst the sector index gained 0.14%. The share price of Hatton National Bank edged up by Rs 0.20 (0.08%) closing at Rs 250.00 whilst foreign holdings increased by 2,000,000 shares. The share price of Commercial Bank gained Rs 1.00 (0.72%) closing at Rs 139.00 whilst foreign holdings increased by 2,653,000 shares.

Diversified sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Hemas Holdings and Softlogic Holdings) whilst the sector index increased by 0.10%. The share price of Hemas Holdings moved down by Rs 0.40 (0.34%) to close at Rs 119.00. The share price of Softlogic Holdings appreciated by Rs 0.20 (1.56%) to close at Rs 13.00.

Lion Brewery was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Lion Brewery recorded a loss of Rs 7.30 (1.31%) to close at Rs 550.00.