Turnover hits four-year high

Price gains in counters such as John Keells Holdings, Hemas Holdings and John Keells Hotels resulted in indices closing in green whilst turnover crossed Rs 12.0 Bn. Crossings in Commercial Credit & Finance accounted for 88.1% of the turnover. The company was bought which by Group Lease Holdings representing 29.9% issued capital of Commercial Credit & Finance. Mixed interest was observed in Central Finance Company whilst retail interest was noted in Richard Pieris & Company and Sierra Cables. Meanwhile, foreigners remained active closing as net buyers mainly due to foreign purchasing in Commercial Credit & Finance. Total foreign purchases accounted for 73.3% of turnover.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Commercial Credit & Finance) whilst the sector index lost 0.13%. The share price of Commercial Credit & Finance decreased by Rs 3.80 (5.90%) closing at Rs 60.60 whilst foreign holdings increased by 22,190,800 shares.

Diversified sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings and Hemas Holdings) whilst the sector index increased by 1.24%. The share price of John Keells Holdings moved up by Rs 3.90 (2.58%) to close at Rs 155.00. The share price of Hemas Holdings recorded a gain of Rs 2.00 (2.08%) to close at Rs 98.00.

Dialog Axiata and Ceylon Cold Stores were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Dialog Axiata closed flat at Rs 10.50. The share price of Ceylon Cold Stores increased by Rs 4.20 (0.54%) to close at Rs 780.20.