Turnover hits 8-week high
The ASPI edged down as a result of price losses in counters such as Distilleries, John Keells Holdings and Cargills with the turnover crossing Rs 1.3 Bn. Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 edged up. Crossings were witnessed in Hatton National Bank, ACL Cables, Melstacorp, Amana Takaful Life, Teejay Lanka, John Keells Holdings, Chevron Lubricants and People’s Leasing & Finance, accounting for 58.1% of turnover. Retail interest was noted in Sinhaputhra Finance. Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net buyers mainly due to foreign purchasing in Hatton National Bank and ACL Cables. Total foreign purchases accounted for 69.1% of turnover.
During the week, the ASPI and the S&P SL20 lost 0.37% and 0.22% respectively. Furthermore, an average daily turnover of Rs 711 Mn was recorded.
Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Hatton National Bank) whilst the sector index edged up by 0.08%. The share price of Hatton National Bank increased by Rs 2.70 (1.11%) closing at Rs 245.00 whilst foreign holdings increased by 1,302,071 shares
Diversified sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings and Melstacorp) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.17%. The share price of John Keells Holdings moved down by Rs 0.90 (0.57%) to close at Rs 157.10. The share price of Melstacorp recorded a gain of Rs 0.20 (0.35%) to close at Rs 56.70.
ACL Cables and Teejay Lanka were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of ACL Cables gained Rs 0.20 (0.49%) closing at Rs 41.00 whilst foreign holdings increased by 4,895,814 shares. The share price of Teejay Lanka appreciated by Rs 0.80 (2.66%) to close at Rs 30.90.
Furthermore, Ceylon Cold Stores, John Keells Holdings, Royal Ceramics Lanka, Central Finance Company and Hemas Holdings announced their final dividend of Rs 8.00, Rs 2.00, Rs 2.00, Rs 0.60 and Rs 1.45 per share respectively whilst C. W. Mackie announced its first & final dividend of Rs 3.50 per share.