ASPI gains whilst S&P SL20 edges down

ASPI closed in green due to price gains in counters such as Ceylon Cold Stores, Asiri Hospital Holdings and Ceylon Beverage Holdings. Meanwhile, S&P SL20 edged down. The turnover crossed 743 Mn for the day. Crossings were witnessed in Ascot Holdings and Dialog Axiata, accounting for 49.0% of turnover. Mixed interest was observed in Commercial Bank whilst retail interest was noted in Maskeliya Plantations and Ceylon Tea Brokers. Meanwhile, foreigners remained active closing as net buyers mainly due to foreign purchasing in Ceylon Cold Stores. Total foreign purchases accounted for 65.8% of turnover.

Investment Trusts sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Ascot Holdings) whilst the sector index lost 1.23%. The share price of Ascot Holdings increased by Rs 10.70 (32.42%) closing at Rs 43.70 whilst foreign holdings increased by 4,995,212 shares.

Telecommunications sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Dialog Axiata) whilst the sector index increased by 1.19%. The share price of Dialog Axiata gained Rs 0.10 (0.78%) to close at Rs 12.90.

Bukit Darah, Ceylon Cold Stores and Commercial Bank were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Bukit Darah moved up by Rs 9.60 (4.56%) closing at Rs 220.00 whilst foreign holdings increased by 252,000 shares. The share price of Ceylon Cold Stores recorded a gain of Rs 39.40 (4.10%) to close at Rs 999.40. The share price of Commercial Bank declined by Rs 0.40 (0.28%) to close at Rs 141.00.