Indices end the week in red

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Ceylinco Insurance, Melstacorp and Sampath Bank with the turnover crossing Rs 1.4 Bn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in John Keells Holdings. Mixed interest was observed in Lanka IOC, Expolanka Holdings and LOLC Holdings whilst

retail interest was noted in Browns Investments, LOLC Finance and Industrial Asphalts. 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 lost 2.53% and 3.64% respectively, whilst recording an average daily turnover of Rs 1.05 Bn.

Energy sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Lanka IOC) whilst the sector index gained 6.72%. The share price of Lanka IOC increased by Rs 6.00 (8.30%) to close at Rs 78.30.

Transportation sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Expolanka Holdings) whilst the sector index increased by 2.17%. The share price of Expolanka Holdings gained Rs 3.75 (2.17%) to close at Rs 176.50.

John Keells Holdings, Browns Investments and LOLC Finance were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of John Keells Holdings moved up by Rs 0.25 (0.20%) to close at Rs 122.25. The share price of Browns Investments recorded a gain of Rs 0.20 (2.70%) to close at Rs 7.60. The share price of LOLC Finance appreciated by Rs 0.30 (4.62%) to close at Rs 6.80.