Speculators keep market active

Broader market came down primarily due to price losses seen in Distilleries, Sri Lanka Telecom and DFCC Bank. Parcel trades witnessed in Nations Trust Bank contributed to top a turnover of Rs 750 Mn for the day. Bourse remained active due to speculative interest seen in Touchwood Investments after its trading commenced at 10.30 a.m.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector became the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Nations Trust Bank) and the sector index lost 0.38%. The share price of Nations Trust Bank gained Rs 0.40 (0.67%) to close at Rs 60.50 while the counter’s foreign holding decreased by 131,000 shares.

Land & Property sector was the second highest contributor to market turnover (due to Touchwood Investments) and the sector index came down by 0.29%. The share price of Touchwood Investments went up by Rs 0.20 (4.17%) to close at Rs 5.00 with the counter’s foreign holding decreasing by 859,266 shares.

John Keells Holdings, Colombo Fort Land & Building and Textured Jersey were also among the top contributors to the market turnover for the day. The share price of John Keells Holdings lost Rs 1.90 (0.87%) to close at Rs 217.00 with the counter’s foreign holding increasing by 496,421 shares. The share price of Colombo Fort Land & Building closed flat at Rs 31.00. The share price of Textured Jersey closed flat at Rs 14.70 while the counter’s foreign holding increased by 688,792 shares.