S&P SL20 records highest daily gain in 15 months

Indices closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as John Keells Holdings, Dialog Axiata andhatton National Bankwith the turnover crossing Rs 454 Mn. High net worth and institutional investor participation was witnessed in John Keells Holdings, Teejay Lanka, Commercial Bank and Sampath Bank. Mixed interest was observed in Tokyo Cement Company nonvoting and Hemas Holdings. Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net buyers mainly due to foreign purchasing in John Keells Holdings and Teejay Lanka.

Diversified sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings and Hemas Holdings) whilst the sector index gained 1.22%. The share price of John Keells Holdings increased by Rs 4.40 (3.04%) closing at Rs 149.00 whilst foreign holdings increased by 407,053 shares. The share price of Hemas Holdings declined by Rs 0.50 (0.46%) to close at Rs 107.50.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Commercial Bank and Sampath Bank) whilst the sector index increased by 1.13%. The share price of Commercial Bank moved up by Rs 0.90 (0.72%) to close at Rs 126.00. The share price of Sampath Bank recorded a gain of Rs 1.60 (0.54%) to close at Rs 296.70.

Teejay Lanka was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Teejay Lanka gained Rs 0.50 (1.61%) closing at Rs 31.50 whilst foreign holdings increased by 2,118,934 shares.