Month ends on positive note

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Sampath Bank, Browns Investments and LOLC Holdings with the turnover crossing Rs. 3.3 billion.

A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Overseas Realty, Lanka IOC and Kelani Tyres. Mixed interest was observed in Expolanka Holdings, First Capital Holdings and Capital Alliance whilst retail interest was noted in Browns Investments,

SMB Leasing (voting and nonvoting) and LOLC Finance. Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net buyers. During the month the ASPI and the S&P SL20 gained 0.6% and 5.4% respectively whilst recording an average daily turnover of Rs. 1.53 billion. Food, Beverage & Tobacco sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Browns Investments) whilst the sector index gained 3.27%.

The share price of Browns Investments increased by Rs. 1.00 (15.38%) to close at Rs. 7.50. Diversified Financials sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to LOLC Finance) whilst the sector index increased by 6.66%.

The share price of LOLC Finance appreciated by Rs. 1.30 (20%) to close at Rs. 7.80. Expolanka Holdings, Overseas Realty and Lanka IOC were also included amongst the top turnover contributors.

The share price of Expolanka Holdings gained Rs. 3.50 (1.85%) to close at Rs. 193.00. The share price of Overseas Realty moved up by Rs. 0.30 (2.19%) to close at Rs. 14.00. The share price of Lanka IOC recorded a gain of Rs. 1.75 (0.93%) to close at Rs. 189.50. Furthermore, JAT Holdings announced their first interim cash dividend of Rs. 0.45 per share.