ASPI edges down, driven by retail selling

The ASPI edged down as a result of price losses in counterssuch as C T Holdings, Dialog Axiata and John Keells Holdings with the turnover crossing Rs 829 Mn. Meanwhile, the S&PSL20 closed in red. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Sampath Bank, Hemas Holdings, commercial Bank and East West Properties. Mixed interestwas observed in LOLC Holdings and Dialog Axiata, whilst retail interest was noted in Tokyo Cement Company non voting and First Capital Holdings. Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net sellers mainly due to foreign selling in Dialog Axiata.

The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Sampath Bank and Commercial Bank), whilst the sector index lost 0.40%. The share price of Sampath Bank decreased by Rs 1.00 (0.82%) to close at Rs 121.40, while the share price of Commercial Bank lost Rs 0.50 (0.68%) to close at Rs 73.50.

Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover whilst the sector index edged up by 0.06%.

LOLC Holdings, Dialog Axiata and East West Properties were also included amongst the top turnover contributors.

The share price of LOLC Holdings moved up by Rs 1.70 (1.37%) to close at Rs 126.20 while the share price of Dialog Axiata recorded a loss of Rs 0.20 (1.77%) closing at Rs 11.10 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 5,484,197 shares. Moreover, the share price of East West Properties appreciated by Rs 0.70 (5.74%) to close at Rs 12.90.

Furthermore, ACL Plastics, John Keells Holdings and Hayleys announced their interim dividends of Rs 6.00, Rs 0.50 and Rs 3.00 per share respectively.