The ASPI closes in green

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Distilleries, Ceylon Cold Stores and Commercial Leasing & Finance with the turnover crossing Rs 472 Mn.

Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 closed in red. High net worth and

institutional investor participation was noted in Melstacorp. Mixed interest was observed in Hatton National Bank and Tokyo Cement Company nonvoting whilst retail interest was noted in Access Engineering and Royal Ceramics. Furthermore, foreigners closed as net sellers mainly due to foreign selling in Hatton National Bank, Melstacorp and Royal Ceramics.

Manufacturing sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Tokyo Cement Company nonvoting and Royal

Ceramics) whilst the sector index gained 1.52%. The share price of Tokyo Cement Company nonvoting moved up by Rs 0.40 (1.16%) to close at Rs 34.90. The share price of Royal Ceramics appreciated by Rs 1.80 (2.68%) closing at Rs 69.00 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 345,268 shares.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Hatton National Bank) whilst the sector index edged down by 0.03%. The share price of Hatton National Bank closed flat at Rs 175.00 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 152,237 shares.

Melstacorp and Access Engineering were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Melstacorp gained Rs 0.10 (0.23%) closing at Rs 43.00 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 1,000,000 shares. The share price of Access Engineering recorded a gain of Rs 0.20 (0.95%) to close at Rs 21.20.