Turnover hits a 12-week low

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Melstacorp, Distilleries and Ceylinco Insurance with the turnover crossing Rs 154 Mn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High networth and institutional investor participation was witnessed in DFCC Bank and John Keells Holdings. Mixed interest was observed in Janashakthi Insurance Company. Furthermore, foreigners closed as net sellers mainly due to foreign selling in John Keells Holdings and Hatton National Bank.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Janashakthi Insurance Company, DFCC Bank, Hatton National Bank and Central Finance Company) whilst the sector index lost 0.89%. The share price of Janashakthi Insurance Company lost Rs 1.00 (4.57%) to close at Rs 20.90. The share price of DFCC Bank moved down by Rs 1.70 (1.67%) to close at Rs 100.30. The share price of Hatton National Bank recorded a loss of Rs 1.90 (0.86%) closing at Rs 218.20 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 54,981 shares. The share price of Central Finance Company declined by Rs 2.00 (2.00%) to close at Rs 98.00.

Diversified sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.90%. The share price of John Keells Holdings closed flat at Rs 142.00 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 156,129 shares.