Interest all around

Despite the modest turnover, institutional, high net worth and retail investor interest was witnessed while foreign activity remained strong predominantly due to the block trade in Lion Brewery. Further, accumulation was seen in banking sector counters such as National Development Bank and Commercial Bank while the retailers were active in Colombo Land & Development, Panasian Power and Nation Lanka Finance. Both indices managed to close the day in the positive territory.

Beverage, Food & Tobacco sector became the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Lion Brewery) and the sector index gained by 0.69%. The share price of Lion Brewery increased by Rs 25.00 (7.46%) to close at Rs 360.00 with the counter’s foreign holding increasing by 521,731 shares.

Banking, Finance & Insurance sector became the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to National Development Bank and Commercial Bank) and the sector index lost 0.14%. The share price of National Development Bank inched up Rs 0.80 (0.47%) to close at Rs 170.00 while Commercial Bank’s share price closed flat at Rs 113.00.

Asiri Hospital Holdings and John Keells Holdings were also seen among the top turnover contributors for the day. The share price of Asiri Hospital Holdings rose Rs 1.60 (12.80%) to close at Rs 14.10 while John Keells Holdings saw its share price gaining Rs 0.20 (0.08%) to close at Rs 249.00.

Meanwhile, Selinsing and Shalimar declared their final dividends of Rs 15.61 and Rs 14.23 per share respectively. In addition, Indo-Malay and Good Hope also announced their final dividends of Rs 14.51 and Rs 14.66 per share respectively.