Indices close on a mixed note

The ASPI edged down as a result of price losses in counters such as Distilleries, Ceylon Tobacco and Softlogic Holdings with turnover crossing Rs 356 Mn. Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 closed in green. High net worth and institutional investor participation was witnessed in Commercial Bank, Sanasa Development Bank and Dialog Axiata. Retail interest was noted in Union Bank and Lanka IOC. Furthermore, foreigners closed as net sellers mainly due to foreign selling in Commercial Bank and Dialog Axiata.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Sampath Bank, Commercial Bank and Sanasa Development Bank) whilst the sector index edged down by 0.10%. The share price of Sampath Bank increased by Rs 4.30 (1.40%) to close at Rs 311.30. The share price of Commercial Bank closed flat at Rs 138.00 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 124,744 shares. The share price of Sanasa Development Bank moved down by Rs 0.30 (0.28%) to close at Rs 105.00.

Diversified sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover whilst the sector index edged up by 0.11%.

Dialog Axiata and Lanka IOC were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Dialog Axiata recorded a gain of Rs 0.10 (0.72%) closing at Rs 14.00 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 1,650,523 shares. The share price of Lanka IOC appreciated by Rs 0.70 (2.05%) to close at Rs 34.80.