Indices edge up

The ASPI edged up as a result of price gains in counters such as Dialog Axiata, Commercial Leasing & Finance and On’ally Holdings with the turnover crossing Rs1.1 Bn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Commercial Bank and John Keells Holdings. Mixed interest was observed in Access Engineering, Browns Investments and Sampath Bank whilst retail interest was noted in Citrus Leisure. Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net sellers mainly due to foreign selling in Commercial Bank. Total foreign sales accounted for 50.5% of the turnover.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Commercial Bank and Sampath Bank) whilst the sector index edged down by 0.03%. The share price of Commercial Bank edged up by Rs0.10 (0.10%) closing at Rs99.10 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 1,602,327 shares. The share price of Sampath Bank edged down Rs0.10 (0.06%) to close at Rs165.00.

Diversified sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings and Browns Investments) whilst the sector index edged down by 0.07%. The share price of John Keells Holdings lost Rs0.70 (0.45%) to close at Rs156.00. The share price of Browns Investments closed flat at Rs4.50.

Access Engineering was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Access Engineering moved down by Rs0.40 (1.90%) to close at Rs20.60.