ASPI edges down while foreigners remain net sellers

The ASPI edged down as a result of price losses in counters such as Ceylon Tobacco Company, John Keells Holdings and Softlogic Life Insurance with the turnover crossing Rs 984 Mn.

Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 closed in red. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in John Keells Holdings, DFCC Bank and Nations Trust Bank. Mixed interest was observed in Tokyo Cement Company non voting, Hatton National Bank and Sampath Bank, whilst retail interest was noted in Dialog Axiata, Tokyo Cement Company and Access Engineering.

Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net sellers mainly due to foreign selling in DFCC Bank.

The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Hatton National Bank voting and non voting, Sampath Bank, DFCC Bank) whilst the sector index lost 0.28%.

The share price of Hatton National Bank lost Rs 0.40 (0.36%) to close at Rs 112.20 while the share price of Sampath Bank moved down by Rs 1.20 (0.99%) to close at Rs 119.90.

Furthermore, the share price of DFCC Bank closed flat at Rs 60.00 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 1,401,152 shares.

The share price of Hatton National Bank non voting appreciated by Rs 0.20 (0.23%) to close at Rs 86.00.

The materials sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover whilst the sector index increased by 0.59% John Keells Holdings was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of John Keells Holdings decreased by Rs 0.50 (0.44%) to close at Rs 113.00.

Furthermore, Panasian Power announced an interim dividend of Rs 0.10 per share whilst Ceylon Hospitals announced their first and final dividends of Rs 2.20 per share. Furthermore, Lion Brewery and Equity Two announced their final dividends of Rs 8.00 and Rs 0.85 per share respectively.