ASPI gains for the 5th consecutive day

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as John Keells Holdings, Ceylon Cold Stores and Ceylon Tobacco Company with the turnover crossing Rs 1.1 Bn. A similar behavior was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Commercial Bank, John Keells Holdings and Sampath Bank.

Mixed interest was observed in Dialog Axiata, Expolanka Holdings and Hatton National

Bank whilst retail interest was noted in Hayleys Fabric and Browns Investments.

Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net sellers. Total foreign sales accounted for 46.1% of the turnover.

The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Commercial Bank, Sampath Bank and Hatton National Bank) whilst the sector index gained 1.86%.

The share price of Commercial Bank increased by Rs 1.50 (2.67%) to close at Rs 57.60. The share price of Sampath Bank moved up by Rs 2.40 (2.13%) to close at Rs 115.00. The share price of Hatton National Bank recorded a gain of Rs 0.30 (0.31%) to close at Rs 96.10. Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index increased by 2.40%. The share price of John Keells Holdings gained Rs 5.30 (6.02%) to close at Rs 93.40.

Expolanka Holdings was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Expolanka Holdings closed flat at Rs 2.50. Furthermore, Commercial Development Company announced its’ final dividend of Rs 4.00 per share.