Crossings boost turnover

Both ASPI and S&P SL20 closed in green due to price gains in counters such as John Keells Holdings, Aitken Spence and Melstacorp Limited with turnover crossing Rs 1.0 Bn. Crossings were witnessed in John Keells Holdings, DFCC Bank, Hemas Holdings, Union Bank and Lanka IOC accounting for 82.0% of turnover. Mixed interest was observed in Nestle Lanka and Commercial Bank. Meanwhile, foreigners remained active closing as net buyers. Total foreign purchases accounted for 71.1% of turnover.

Diversified sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings, Hemas Holdings and Browns Capital) whilst the sector index gained 1.15%. The share price of John Keells Holdings increased by Rs 2.20 (1.60%) to close at Rs 140.10. The share price of Hemas Holdings moved up by Rs 1.30 (1.20%) to close at Rs 110.00. The share price of Browns Capital appreciated by Rs 0.10 (6.67%) to close at Rs 1.60.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to DFCC Bank and Union Bank) whilst the sector index increased by 0.01%. The share price of DFCC Bank lost Rs 2.00 (1.75%) to close at Rs 112.00. The share price of Union Bank closed flat at Rs 14.20.

Furthermore, The Kingsbury and Haycarb announced their interim dividends of Rs 0.50 and Rs 3.00 per share respectively.