Crossings boost turnover

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as John Keells Holdings, Distilleries and Ceylon Tobacco Company with the turnover crossing Rs 755 Mn. Meanwhile, a similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. Crossings were witnessed in Ceylon Cold Stores, Commercial Bank, Hatton National Bank, John Keells Holdings and Dialog Axiata, accounting for 76.7% of the turnover. Mixed interest was observed in Chevron Lubricants. Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net sellers mainly due to foreign selling in Commercial Bank. Total foreign sales accounted for 64.0% of the turnover. Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Commercial Bank and Hatton National Bank) whilst the sector index lost 1.25%. The share price of Commercial Bank decreased by Rs 0.30 (0.24%) closing at Rs 122.70 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 2,580,323 shares. The share price of Hatton National Bank lost Rs 1.80 (0.80%) to close at Rs 223.20.

Diversified sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index decreased by 1.59%. The share price of John Keells Holdings recorded a loss of Rs 2.80 (1.90%) to close at Rs 144.70.

Dialog Axiata and Ceylon Cold Stores were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Dialog Axiata moved down by Rs 0.20 (1.41%) to close at Rs 14.00. The share price of Ceylon Cold Stores closed flat at Rs 992.00.