Indices end the week in green

Indices closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Expolanka Holdings, LOLC Holdings and Hayleys with the turnover crossing Rs. 1.2 bn.

High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Commercial Bank, Hatton National Bank, The Colombo Fort Land & Building. Mixed interest was observed in John Keells Holdings, Expolanka Holdings and Lanka IOC whilst retail interest was noted in SMB Leasing non voting, Browns Investments and LOLC Finance. Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net sellers. During the week, the ASPI and the S&P SL20 gained 2.39% and 4.29% respectively, whilst recording an average daily turnover of Rs. 0.92 bn.

The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Commercial Bank and Hatton National Bank) whilst the sector index edged up by 0.05%. The share price of Commercial Bank moved down by Rs. 0.20 (0.40%) to close at Rs. 50.30. The share price of Hatton National Bank closed flat at Rs. 80.00. Energy sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Lanka IOC) whilst the sector index increased by 4.00%. The share price of Lanka IOC increased by Rs. 3.00 (4.37%) to close at Rs. 71.70. Expolanka Holdings and John Keells Holdings were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Expolanka Holdings gained Rs. 6.50 (3.50%) to close at Rs. 192.25. The share price of John Keells Holdings appreciated by Rs. 0.25 (0.20%) to close at Rs. 122.25.