Foreign sales boost turnover

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as John Keells Holdings, Carson Cumberbatch and Hatton National Bank with the turnover crossing Rs 1.0 Bn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was witnessed in John Keells Holdings,chevron Lubricants, National Development Bank and Three Acre Farms. Retail interest was noted in Vallibel Finance. Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net sellers mainly due to foreign selling in John Keells Holdings. Total foreign sales accounted for 80.5% of the turnover.

Diversified sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index lost 2.17%. The share price of John Keells Holdings decreased by Rs 2.50 (1.72%) closing at Rs 142.50 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 3,154,107 shares.

Manufacturing sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Chevron Lubricants) whilst the sector index decreased by 1.26%. The share price of Chevron Lubricants lost Rs 1.90 (2.65%) to close at Rs 69.90.

National Development Bank, Sampath Bank and Vallibel Finance were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of National Development Bank closed flat at Rs 100.00. The share price of Sampath Bank closed flat at Rs 225.00. The share price of Vallibel Finance appreciated by Rs 0.40 (0.57%) to close at Rs 70.00.