Indices close in red

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as LOLC Holdings, Distilleries and Hatton National Bank with the turnover crossing Rs 583 Mn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Dialog Axiata and Royal Ceramics. Mixed interest was observed in Commercial Bank and Access Engineering whilst retail interest was noted in Tokyo Cement Company nonvoting, Commercial Bank and Galadari Hotels. Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net sellers mainly due to foreign selling in Royal Ceramics. Total foreign sales accounted for 46.0% of the turnover.

Telecommunications sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Dialog Axiata) whilst the sector index gained 1.02%. The share price of Dialog Axiata increased by Rs 0.20 (1.82%) to close at Rs 11.20.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Commercial Bank and Hatton National Bank) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.97%. The share price of Commercial Bank moved down by Rs 1.00 (1.01%) to close at Rs 98.00. The share price of Hatton National Bank declined by Rs 2.90 (1.66%) to close at Rs 172.10.

Royal Ceramics and Access Engineering were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Royal Ceramics gained Rs 0.90 (1.36%) closing at Rs 66.90 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 800,394 shares. The share price of Access Engineering recorded a loss of Rs 0.50 (2.43%) to close at Rs 20.10.