Turnover hits 9-week low

ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Ceylon Cold Stores, Sampath Bank and Ceylinco Insurance. A similar behavior was witnessed in S&P SL20. The turnover crossed Rs 238 Mn for the day. High net worth and institutional investor participation was witnessed in John Keells Holdings and CIC Holdings. Mixed interest was observed in Sampath Bank and Tokyo Cement Companynonvoting whilst retail interest was noted in Richard Pieris and Company and Dialog Axiata. Meanwhile, foreigners remained active closing as net buyers mainly due to foreign purchases in Sampath Bank

Diversified sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index gained 0.28%. The share price of John Keells Holdings increased by Rs 0.30 (0.19%) to close at Rs 154.20.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Sampath Bank) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.53%. The share price of Sampath Bank lost Rs 5.20 (1.52%) closing at Rs 335.80 whilst foreign holdings increased by 28,082 shares.

CIC Holdings, Tokyo Cement Company nonvoting and Lanka IOC were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of CIC Holdings moved down by Rs 5.10 (7.83%) to close at Rs 60.00. The share price of Tokyo Cement Company nonvoting recorded a loss of Rs 0.40 (0.70%) to close at Rs 57.10. The share price of Lanka IOC declined by Rs 0.10 (0.36%) to close at Rs 28.00.