Foreign purchases boost turnover

The broader market index closed in green whilst S&P SL20 closed in red with turnover crossing Rs 816 Mn. High net worth and institutional investor participation was witnessed in Textured Jersey Lanka, John Keells Holdings, Hatton National Bank and Commercial Bank nonvoting. Mixed interest was observed in Access Engineering and Commercial Bank whilst retail interest was noted in Sinhaputhra Finance and John Keells Holdings Warrant 23. Meanwhile, foreigners remained active closing as net buyers mainly due to foreign purchasing in Hatton National Bank. Total foreign purchases accounted for 54.9% of turnover.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Hatton National Bank and Commercial Bank nonvoting) whilst the sector index lost 0.59%. The share price of Hatton National Bank moved up by Rs 0.50 (0.23%) closing at Rs 216.50 whilst foreign holdings increased by 349,374 shares. The share price of Commercial Bank nonvoting recorded a loss of Rs 0.70 (0.53%) to close at Rs 132.00.

Manufacturing sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Textured Jersey Lanka) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.48%. The share price of Textured Jersey Lanka increased by Rs 0.10 (0.32%) to close at Rs 31.50.

John Keells Holdings and Access Engineering were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of John Keells Holdings lost Rs 0.50 (0.29%) to close at Rs 172.50. The share price of Access Engineering appreciated by Rs 0.60 (2.49%) to close at Rs 24.70.