S&P SL20 gains 3.1% in November

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Hemas Holdings, Nestle Lanka and John Keells Holdings with the turnover crossing Rs 1.4 Bn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. Crossings were witnessed in John Keells Holdings, Commercial Bank, Ceylinco Insurance, Hatton National Bank and National Development Bank, accounting for 54.6% of the turnover. Mixed interest was observed in Access Engineering. Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net sellers mainly due to foreign selling in John Keells Holdings. Total foreign sales accounted for 53.9% of the turnover.

During the week, the ASPI and the S&P SL20 gained 1.51% and 2.42% respectively whilst recording an average daily turnover of Rs 755 Mn.

Diversified sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index gained 0.66%. The share price of John Keells Holdings increased by Rs 1.40 (0.88%) closing at Rs 160.50 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 2,897,199 shares.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Commercial Bank, Ceylinco Insurance and Hatton National Bank) whilst the sector index increased by 0.58%. The share price of Commercial Bank gained Rs 1.00 (0.86%) to close at Rs 117.60. The share price of Ceylinco Insurance moved up by Rs 5.00 (0.25%) to close at Rs 2,000.00. The share price of Hatton National Bank appreciated by Rs 0.80 (0.37%) to close at Rs 215.10.

Access Engineering was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Access Engineering recorded a gain of Rs 0.10 (0.63%) to close at Rs 16.00.

Furthermore, Access Engineering and Hatton National Bank announced their interim dividends of Rs 0.25 and Rs 1.50 per share respectively.