The ASPI edges down

The ASPI edged down as a result of price losses in counters such as Ceylon Cold Stores, Sampath Bank and Hemas Holdings with the turnover crossing Rs 534 Mn. Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 closed in red. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in John Keells Holdings and Dialog Axiata. Mixed interest was observed in Tokyo Cement Company nonvoting and Browns Investments whilst retail interest was noted in East West Properties. Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net buyers mainly due to foreign purchasing in John Keells Holdings.

Diversified sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings and Browns Investments) whilst the sector index gained 0.29%. The share price of John Keells Holdings closed flat at Rs 147.00 whilst foreign holdings increased by 938,998 shares. The share price of Browns Investments moved up by Rs 0.10 (3.70%) to close at Rs 2.80.

Manufacturing sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Tokyo Cement Company nonvoting) whilst the sector index edged down by 0.05%.

The share price of Tokyo Cement Company nonvoting gained Rs 0.30 (1.16%) to close at Rs 26.10.

Dialog Axiata and East West Properties were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Dialog Axiata recorded a loss of Rs 0.10 (0.90%) to close at Rs 11.00. The share price of East West Properties appreciated by Rs 1.10 (13.75%) to close at Rs 9.10.

Furthermore, Lanka Ventures announced its final dividend of Rs 2.75 per share.