Indices edge down

ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Ceylon Cold Stores, Hatton National Bank and Asian Hotels & Properties. A similar behavior was witnessed in S&P SL20. The turnover crossed Rs 736 Mn for the day. High net worth and institutional investor participation was witnessed in John Keells Holdings, Tokyo Cement Company, Chevron Lubricants Lanka, and Lanka IOC. Mixed interest was observed in Access Engineering and Janashakthi Insurance Company whilst retail interest was noted in Alumex. Meanwhile, foreigners remained active closing as net buyers mainly due to foreign purchasing in John Keells Holdings and Lanka IOC. Total foreign purchases accounted for 51.0% of turnover.

Diversified sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index lost 0.33%. The share price of John Keells Holdings decreased by Rs 0.20 (0.11%) closing at Rs 177.00 whilst foreign holdings increased by 1,214,987 shares.

Manufacturing sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Chevron Lubricants and Tokyo Cement Company) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.45%. The share price of Chevron Lubricants lost Rs 3.90 (2.38%) to close at Rs 160.00. The share price of Tokyo Cement Company closed flat at Rs 75.00.

Lanka IOC and Access Engineering were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Lanka IOC recorded a gain of Rs 0.90 (2.89%) to close at Rs 32.00. The share price of Access Engineering increased by Rs 0.20 (0.75%) to close at Rs 26.80.

Furthermore, Orient Finance announced its final dividend of Rs 0.25 per share.