Month commences with high turnover

Despite the market closing negative, transaction volumes remained high with turnover crossing the Rs 1 Bn mark. Indices came down primarily due to price losses seen in Nestle Lanka and Asian Hotels & Properties. Multiple parcel trades witnessed in Sampath Bank, John Keells Holdings, Serendib Hotels and E-Channelling elevated turnover by 52%. Retail interest was seen in Touchwood Investments and Amana Takaful while foreigners became net buyers for the day.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector became the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Sampath Bank) and the sector index gained 0.12%. The share price of Sampath Bank jumped Rs 2.10 (1.24%) to close at Rs 172.00 while the counter’s foreign holding increased by 31,200 shares.

Diversified sector was the second highest contributor to market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) and the sector index came down by 0.15%. The share price of John Keells Holdings went up by Rs 1.00 (0.46%) to close at Rs 219.00 with the counter’s foreign holding increasing by 813,183 shares.

E-Channelling, Touchwood Investments and Serendib Hotels were also among the top contributors to the market turnover for the day. The share price of E-Channelling came down by Rs 0.20 (2.38%) to close at Rs 8.20 with the counter’s foreign holding increasing by 18,079,677 shares. The share price of Touchwood Investments dropped by Rs 1.90 (37.25%) to close at Rs 3.20 with the counter’s foreign holding decreasing by 627,628 shares. The share price of Serendib Hotels increased by Rs 4.00 (16.67%) to close at Rs 28.00.