ASPI edges down

The ASPI edged down as a result of price losses in counters such as John Keells Holdings, Carson Cumberbatch and Commercial Leasing & Finance with turnover crossing Rs 540 Mn. Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 closed in red. High net worth and institutional investor participation was seen in John Keells Holdings, Sampath Bank, Ceylon Hospitals nonvoting and Hemas Holdings. Mixed interest was observed in Alumex whilst retail interest was noted in East West Properties. Furthermore, foreigners closed as net sellers mainly due to foreign selling in Sampath Bank.

Diversified sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index lost 0.41%. The share price of John Keells Holdings moved down by Rs 1.70 (1.04%) to close at Rs 162.10.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Sampath Bank) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.37%. The share price of Sampath Bank lost Rs 2.90 (0.94%) closing at Rs 304.40 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 104,745 shares.

East West Properties, Ceylon Hospitals nonvoting and Alumex were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of East West Properties increased by Rs 0.10 (0.43%) to close at Rs 23.50. The share price of Ceylon Hospitals nonvoting recorded a gain of Rs 0.50 (0.72%) to close at Rs 70.00. The share price of Alumex appreciated by Rs 0.40 (2.33%) to close at Rs 17.60.

Furthermore, Vidullanka, Alumex and Singer Sri Lanka announced their interim dividends of Rs 0.10, Rs 0.55 and Rs 2.20 per share respectively.