Positive sentiments follow New Year

Market closed at a two month high with turnover topping Rs 700 Mn. Counters Cargills, Bukit Darah and Ceylon Tea Services saw price gains which moved up the indices whilst high net worth interest seen in banks uplifted the banking sector. Institutional interest was evident in Seylan Bank and Royal Ceramics while Lanka IOC witnessed mixed interest. Further, John Keells Holdings accounted for foreigners becoming net buyers for the day.

Diversified sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) with the sector index rising by 0.23%. The share price of John Keells Holdings closed flat at Rs 238.00 and the counter’s foreign holding increased by 1,167,905 shares.

Banks, Finance & Insurance sector became the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Commercial Bank and Seylan Bank) and the sector index moved up by 0.47%. The share price of Commercial Bank moved up by Rs 0.20 (0.16%) to close at Rs 127.00. The share price of Seylan Bank gained Rs 1.40 (2.24%) to close at Rs 64.00. Lanka IOC and Royal Ceramics were also among the top turnover contributors. The share price of Lanka IOC closed at Rs 43.00 recording a gain of Rs 0.20 (0.47%). Royal Ceramics closed at Rs 87.00 subsequent to a gain of Rs 4.30 (5.20%).

Meanwhile, Dialog Axiata announced its final dividend of Rs 0.29 per share.