Indices close in red while foreigners remain net sellers

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as John Keells Holdings, Carson Cumberbatch and Dialog Axiata with the turnover crossing Rs 788 Mn. A similar behavior was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in John Keells Holdings and Hatton National Bank voting and non voting. Mixed interest was observed in People’s Leasing & Finance, Tokyo Cement Company and Sampath Bank whilst retail interest was noted in Nations Trust Bank and Expolanka Holdings. Furthermore, foreigners closed as net sellers. The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Hatton National Bank voting and non voting) whilst the sector index lost 0.54%. The share price of Hatton National Bank lost Rs 1.20 (1.07%) to close at Rs 111.00 while the share price of Hatton National Bank non voting declined by Rs 1.00 (1.16%) to close at Rs 85.00. Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.66%. The share price of John Keells Holdings decreased by Rs 1.70 (1.50%) to close at Rs 111.30. Tokyo Cement Company voting and non voting were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Tokyo Cement Company non voting moved up by Rs 0.80 (2.75%) to close at Rs 29.90 while the share price of Tokyo Cement Company recorded a gain of Rs 1.10 (3.24%) to close at Rs 35.00.