Indices close in red

The ASPI closed in red due to price losses in counters such as Commercial Bank, Bukit Darah and Hatton National Bank with turnover crossing Rs 654 Mn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was seen in John Keells Holdings, Ceylon Tobacco Company, Hatton National Bank and Commercial Bank. Mixed interest was observed in Softlogic Holdings and Janashakthi Insurance Company whilst retail interest was noted in Softlogic Capital. Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net buyers. Total foreign purchases accounted for 45.1% of turnover.

Diversified sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Softlogic Holdings and John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index gained 0.46%. The share price of Softlogic Holdings increased by Rs 2.50 (12.50%) to close at Rs 22.50. The share price of John Keells Holdings gained Rs 1.50 (0.97%) to close at Rs 156.80.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Janashakthi Insurance Company, Commercial Bank and Hatton National Bank) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.45%. The share price of Janashakthi Insurance Company moved up by Rs 0.20 (0.67%) to close at Rs 30.10. The share price of Commercial Bank recorded a loss of Rs 2.40 (1.76%) to close at Rs 134.20. The share price of Hatton National Bank declined by Rs 4.00 (1.62%) to close at Rs 243.00.

Furthermore, Lotus Hydro Power announced an interim dividend of Rs 0.35 per share whilst Ceylon Tobacco Company announced a final dividend of Rs 11.80 per share.