Crossings account for 78% of turnover

The ASPI edged down as a result of price losses in counters such as Lion Brewery, Softlogic Holdings and Brac Lanka Finance with turnover crossing Rs 953 Mn. A similar behavior was witnessed in S&P SL20. Crossings were traded in Sanasa Development Bank and Sampath Bank, accounting for 77.5% of turnover. Mixed interest was observed in Tokyo Cement Company whilst retail interest was noted in Lanka Cement and Orient Finance.foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels during the day.

During the week, the ASPI and the S&P SL20 lost 1.01% and 1.53% respectively whilst recording an average daily turnover of Rs 729 Mn.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Sanasa Development Bank and Sampath Bank) whilst the sector index lost 0.15%. The share price of Sanasa Development Bank increased by Rs 0.20 (0.18%) to close at Rs 109.00. The share price of Sampath Bank gained Rs 2.40 (0.82%) closing at Rs 294.60 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 186,932 shares.

Diversified sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.22%. The share price of John Keells Holdings moved down by Rs 0.50 (0.31%) to close at Rs 158.50.

Cargills and Tokyo Cement Company were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Cargills recorded a gain of Rs 9.00 (4.86%) to close at Rs 194.10. The share price of Tokyo Cement Company declined by Rs 1.20 (2.21%) to close at Rs 53.00.