Turnover hits 7 week low

The ASPI closed in red due to price losses in counters such as John Keells Holdings, Ceylon Cold Stores and Sri Lanka Telecom with turnover crossing Rs 286 Mn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was witnessed in Hatton National Bank nonvoting whilst retail interest was noted in Softlogic Holdings and East West Properties. Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net sellers mainly due to foreign selling in Hatton National Bank nonvoting. Total foreign sales accounted for 43.2% of turnover.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to both Hatton National Bank voting & nonvoting shares and Sampath Bank) whilst the sector index edged down by 0.10%. The share price of Hatton National Bank nonvoting increased by Rs 0.70 (0.37%) closing at Rs 188.20 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 226,233 shares. The share price of Hatton National Bank closed flat at Rs 244.00. The share price of Sampath Bank recorded a loss of Rs 3.10 (1.03%) to close at Rs 297.00.

Diversified sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Softlogic Holdings) whilst the sector index decreased by 1.36%. The share price of Softlogic Holdings moved up by Rs 0.20 (0.84%) to close at Rs 24.00.

Lanka Milk Foods was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Lanka Milk Foods declined by Rs 15.70 (8.79%) to close at Rs 163.00.

Furthermore, Colombo City Holdings and Ceylon Leather Products announced their interim dividends of Rs 15.00 and Rs 7.40 per share respectively.