ASPI closes in red

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Trans Asia Hotels, Dialog Axiata and Hatton National Bank with the turnover crossing Rs 283 Mn.

Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 edged down. High net worth and institutional investor participation remained subdued for the day whilst mixed interest was observed in Seylan Bank. Furthermore, foreigners closed as net sellers mainly due to foreign selling in John Keells Holdings and Chevron Lubricants.

During the week, the ASPI and the S&P SL20 gained 0.67% and 0.71% respectively whilst recording an average daily turnover of Rs 206 Mn. Diversified sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index edged down by 0.11%.

The share price of John Keells Holdings decreased by Rs 0.50 (0.36%) closing at Rs 138.00 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 165,082 shares. Manufacturing sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Chevron Lubricants and B P P L Holdings) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.41%. The share price of Chevron Lubricants closed flat at Rs 55.00 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 862,014 shares.

The share price of B P P L Holdings closed flat at Rs 8.20. Seylan Bank and Sanasa Development Bank were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Seylan Bank moved down by Rs 1.80 (3.47%) to close at Rs 50.00. The share price of Sanasa Development Bank closed flat at Rs 60.00.

Furthermore, Tea Smallholder Factories, Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings, Ceylon Tea Brokers and John Keells announced their first and final dividends of Rs 1.70, Rs 1.00,Rs 0.35 and Rs 2.00 per share respectively whilst Aitken Spence, Hemas Holdings and John Keells Holdings announced their final dividends of Rs 1.50, Rs 1.45 and Rs 1.00 per share respectively