Full Stock Market

The ASPI edged up as a result of price gains in counters such as Lion Brewery, Sri Lanka Telecom and LOLC Holdings with the turnover crossing Rs 160 Mn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20.. High net worth and institutional investor participation was witnessed in Lion Brewery, John Keells Hotels and Sampath Bank. Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net buyers mainly due to foreign purchasing in Lion Brewery and John Keells Hotels. Total foreign purchases accounted for 60.7% of the turnover.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Sampath Bank, AIA Insurance and LOLC Holdings) whilst the sector index edged down by 0.06%. The share price of Sampath Bank moved up by Rs 2.00 (0.85%) to close at Rs 238.00. The share price of AIA Insurance recorded a loss of Rs 78.30 (4.17%) to close at Rs 1,800.50. The share price of LOLC Holdings appreciated by Rs 1.30 (1.42%) to close at Rs 92.80.

Beverage, Food and Tobacco sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Lion Brewery) whilst the sector index increased by 0.16%. The share price of Lion Brewery increased by Rs 10.00 (1.72%) closing at Rs 590.00 whilst foreign holdings increased by 71,381 shares.

John Keells Hotels was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of John Keells Hotels closed flat at Rs 7.50 whilst foreign holdings increased by 4,849,744 shares.