ASPI closes in green

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as LOLC Development Finance, Nestle Lanka and LOLC Holdings with the turnover crossing Rs. 1.5 bn.

Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 closed in red. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Commercial Bank and Cargills.

Mixed interest was observed in LOLC Holdings, John Keells Holdings and Colombo Land & Development Company, whilst retail interest was noted in Industrial Asphalts, Browns Investments and SMB Leasing.

Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net sellers. The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Commercial Bank), whilst the sector index edged down by 0.12%. The share price of Commercial Bank increased by Rs. 0.20 (0.22%) to close at Rs. 90.10.

Diversified Financials sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to LOLC

Holdings), whilst the sector index increased by 4.24%. The share price of LOLC Holdings gained Rs. 7.00 (1.70%) to close at Rs. 418.00.

John Keells Holdings, Colombo Land & Development Company and Expolanka Holdings were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of John Keells Holdings moved down by Rs. 0.25 (0.18%) to close at Rs. 138.00.

The share price of Colombo Land & Development Company recorded a gain of Rs. 1.70 (6.07%) to close at Rs. 29.70. The share price of Expolanka Holdings declined by Rs. 0.50 (0.98%) to close at Rs. 50.30.

Furthermore, Lion Brewery announced an interim dividend of Rs. 14.40 per share.