The ASPI edges up

The ASPI edged up as a result of price gains in counters such as John Keells Holdings, Ceylon Tobacco Company and Brown & Company with the turnover crossing Rs 424 Mn. Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 closed in green. High net worth and institutional investor participation was witnessed in John Keells Holdings, Hatton National Bank and Dialog Axiata. Retail interest was noted in Access Engineering. Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net buyers mainly due to foreign purchasing in Hatton National Bank.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Hatton National Bank and Lanka Orix Leasing Company) whilst the sector index lost 0.50%. The share price of Hatton National Bank lost Rs 2.40 (1.13%) closing at Rs 210.00 whilst foreign holdings increased by 369,142 shares. The share price of Lanka Orix Leasing Company declined by Rs 3.30 (3.46%) to close at Rs 92.00.

Diversified sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index increased by 1.19%. The share price of John Keells Holdings increased by Rs 6.00 (4.14%) to close at Rs 151.00.

Access Engineering and Dialog Axiata were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Access Engineering moved down by Rs 0.10 (0.59%) to close at Rs 16.90. The share price of Dialog Axiata closed flat at Rs 11.70.