Blue chip buying carry turnover

Market extended its gains for the third consecutive session with counters such as Carsons Cumberbatch and Ceylon Tobacco gaining ground. Multiple crossings on blue chips helped turnover surpass the Rs 1.5 Bn mark with foreign buying evident in Chevron Lubricants and John Keells Holdings. In addition, banking sector counters saw interest while The Finance voting and non-voting shares saw speculative activity.

Bank, Finance & Insurance sector became the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Sampath Bank, Hatton National Bank and Commercial Bank) and the sector index gained 0.27%. The share price of Sampath Bank closed flat at Rs 172.00 while the share price of Hatton National Bank gained Rs 1.00 (0.66%) to close at Rs 152.00. The share price of Commercial Bank i ncreased Rs 0.40 (0.32%) to close at Rs 125.00 with the counter’s foreign holding increasing by 344,448 shares.

Manufacturing sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Chevron Lubricants) and the sector index went up by 0.52%. The share price of Chevron Lubricants decreased Rs 0.60 (0.22%) to close at Rs 273.80.

John Keells Holdings was also among the top contributors to turnover and the counter’s share price lost Rs 4.90 (2.09%) to close at Rs 230.10. The counter’s foreign holding increased by 247,929 shares.