Full Stock Market

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Dialog Axiata, Central Finance Company and Commercial Leasing & Finance with the turnover crossing Rs 485 Mn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. Crossings were witnessed in John Keells Holdings, accounting for 61.5% of the turnover. Mixed interest was observed in National Development Bank and Commercial Bank. Whilst retail interest was noted in Browns Investments, First Capital Holdings and Access Engineering. Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net sellers mainly due to foreign selling in John Keells Holdings.

Total foreign sales accounted for 65.6%of the turnover. Diversified sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings and Browns Investments) whilst the sector index edged down by 0.09%. The share price of John Keells Holdings increased by Rs 1.70 (1.13%) closing at Rs 151.80 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 1,980,770 shares. The share price of Browns Investments lost Rs 0.10 (2.13%) to close at Rs 4.60.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to National Development Bank and First Capital Holdings) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.45%. The share price of National Development Bank edged up by Rs 0.10 (0.10%) to close at Rs 99.00. The share price of First Capital Holdings recorded a loss of Rs 1.20 (2.35%) to close at Rs 49.90.

Access Engineering was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Access Engineering declined by Rs 0.50 (2.70%) to close at Rs 18.00.

Furthermore, Amana Bank announced an interim dividend of Rs 0.08 per share.