Full Stock Market

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Expolanka Holdings, Browns Investments and Commercial Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 3.0 bn. A similar behavior was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Sampath Bank, John Keells Holdings and Commercial Bank. Mixed interest was observed in Expolanka Holdings, Dipped Products and Vallibel One, whilst retail interest was noted in Browns Investments and Piramal Glass. Foreign participation in the market remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net sellers. During the month, the ASPI and the S&P SL20 lost 13.75% and 15.58% respectively, whilst recording an average daily turnover of Rs, 5.43 bn. The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Sampath Bank), whilst the sector index gained 2.25%. The share price of Sampath Bank increased by Rs. 1.75 (1.14%) closing at Rs. 155.75 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 4,555,377 shares. Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings), whilst the sector index increased by 1.10%. The share price of John Keells Holdings moved up by Rs. 0.25 (0.16%) to close at Rs. 152.25. Expolanka Holdings, Browns Investments and Dipped Products were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Expolanka Holdings gained Rs. 5.50 (13.41%) to close at Rs. 46.50. Moreover, the share price of Browns Investments recorded a gain of Rs. 0.40 (7.41%) to close at Rs. 5.80, whilst the share price of Dipped Products appreciated by Rs. 0.20 (0.40%) to close at Rs. 50.30. Furthermore, Chevron Lubricants announced an interim dividend of Rs 2.00 per share whilst Commercial Bank announced a first and final dividend of Rs. 4.50 per share.