Foreign activity in blue chips

Despite losing ground over the past few days, both ASPI and S&P SL20 recorded gains with heavy foreign activity in several blue chip counters.

Turnover surpassed Rs 1.5 Bn mark mainly owing to the crossings witnessed in Hatton National Bank, John Keells Holdings, Sampath Bank, Chevron and LOLC. Accumulation in banking sector counters also continued whilst retail activity was seen in counters such as E-Channeling and SMB Leasing.

Bank, Finance and Insurance sector became the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Hatton National Bank, Sampath Bank and Commercial Bank) and the sector index gained 1.59%. The share price of Hatton National Bank increased by Rs 2.00 (1.38%) to close at Rs 147.00 whilst the counter’s foreign holding declined by 1,235,407 shares.

The share price of Sampath Bank j umped Rs 11.00 (4.87%) to close at Rs 237.00 with counter’s foreign holding increasing by 475,188 shares. Commercial Bank’s share price inched up Rs 1.20 (1.10%) to close at Rs 109.90.

Diversified sector became the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) and the sector index gained 0.04%.

The share price of John Keells Holdings slid Rs 0.40 (0.17%) to close at Rs 229.50.

Chevron Lubricants also contributed heavily to the market turnover. The counter gained Rs 4.00 (1.84%) to close at Rs 221.00.

Meanwhile, Textured Jersey and Access Engineering declared an interim dividend of Rs 0.66 and Rs 0.25 per share respectively.