Full Stock Market

Indices closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as John Keells Holdings, Dialog Axiata and Sampath Bank with the turnover crossing Rs 786 Mn. Crossings were witnessed in John Keells Holdings, Commercial Bank, Sampath Bank and Ceylon Tobacco Company, accounting for 51.5% of the turnover. Retail interest was noted in Sinhaputhra Finance. Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net sellers mainly due to foreign selling in John Keells Holdings. Total foreign sales accounted for 65.6% of the turnover.

During the week, the ASPI and the S&P SL20 lost 1.42% and 2.40% respectively whilst recording an average daily turnover of Rs 880 Mn.

Diversified sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index lost 0.82%. The share price of John Keells Holdings decreased by Rs 1.40 (1.04%) closing at Rs 133.70 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 2,566,548 shares.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Sampath Bank, Commercial Bank and Union Assurance) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.64%. The share price of Sampath Bank lost Rs 4.90 (1.82%) to close at Rs 265.00. The share price of Commercial Bank moved down by Rs 1.20 (0.99%) to close at Rs 119.80. The share price of Union Assurance recorded a loss of Rs 19.00 (5.59%) to close at Rs 321.00.

Ceylon Tobacco Company was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Ceylon Tobacco Company closed flat at Rs 1,326.00.