Indices remain marginally up

The week started in a positive with both indices witnessing marginal gains amidst unimpressive turnover levels. Interest in heavy weight John Keells persisted with the counter emerging as the highest contributors for the day while Hatton National Bank also grabbed interest. Retail interest was evident in Environmental Resources Voting and Renuka Agri Foods.

Diversified sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) and

Diversified sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) and the sector index gained 0.23%. The share price of John Keells Holdings gained Rs 1.50 (0.72%) to close at Rs 211.20. Foreign holding of John Keells Holdings increased by 150,541

the sector index gained 0.23%. The share price of John Keells Holdings gained Rs 1.50 (0.72%) to close at Rs 211.20. Foreign holding of John Keells Holdings increased by 150,541.

Banking Finance and Insurance sector became the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Hatton National Bank) and the sector index increased by 0.12%.

The share price of Hatton National Bank lost Rs 0.30 (0.21%) to close at Rs 145.00. Foreign holding of Hatton National Bank increased by 61,767.

Beverage Food and Tobacco sector counters Lion Brewery Ceylon and Renuka Agri Foods were also among the top contributors for the day. The share prices of Lion Brewery Ceylon and Renuka Agri Foods closed flat at Rs 255.00 and Rs 5.00 respectively. Meanwhile the share price of Environmental Resources Voting gained Rs 0.10 (0.65%) to close at Rs 15.40.

ODEL declared an interim dividend of Rs 0.25 per share.