Foreign sales account for 80% of turnover

The ASPI edged down as a result of price losses in counters such as Commercial Leasing & Finance, Melstacorp and Aitken Spence with the turnover crossing Rs 660 Mn. Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 closed in green. Crossings were witnessed in John Keells Holdings, accounting for 48.4% of the turnover. Retail interest was noted in Lankem Developments and MTD Walkers. Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net sellers mainly due to foreign selling in John Keells Holdings. Total foreign sales accounted for 80.4% of the turnover.

During the week, the ASPI and the S&P SL20 gained 0.35% and 0.98% respectively whilst recording an average daily turnover of Rs 860 Mn.

Diversified sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index lost 0.38%. The share price of John Keells Holdings closed flat at Rs 154.50 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 2,543,128 shares.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Sampath Bank and Commercial Bank) whilst the sector index edged up by 0.09%. The share price of Sampath Bank gained Rs 5.90 (2.63%) to close at Rs 230.00. The share price of Commercial Bank moved down by Rs 0.30 (0.26%) to close at Rs 114.50.

MTD Walkers and Lankem Developments were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of MTD Walkers recorded a loss of Rs 1.30 (7.74%) to close at Rs 15.50. The share price of Lankem Developments appreciated by Rs 0.50 (12.82%) to close at Rs 4.40.