ASPI gains 2.5% for the week

The ASPI edged up as a result of price gains in counters such as Hayleys, Expolanka Holdings and Browns Investments with the turnover crossing Rs 3.0 Bn. Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 closed in red. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Royal Ceramics and Hayleys. Mixed interest was observed in Tokyo Cement Company voting and nonvoting, and Expolanka Holdings whilst retail interest was noted in Browns Investments, Industrial Asphalts and Amana Bank.

Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net sellers. During the week, the ASPI and the S&P SL20 gained 2.51% and 2.08% respectively, whilst recording an average daily turnover of Rs 3.80 Bn. Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Royal Ceramics) whilst the sector index gained 0.48%.

The share price of Royal Ceramics gained Rs 0.80 (1.71%) to close at Rs 47.60.

Materials sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Tokyo Cement Company voting and nonvoting) whilst the sector index increased by 1.37%. The share price of Tokyo Cement Company nonvoting moved up by Rs 5.00 (11.63%) to close at Rs 48.00.

The share price of Tokyo Cement Company recorded a gain of Rs 4.50 (8.65%) closing at Rs 56.50. Browns Investments and Expolanka Holdings were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Browns Investments increased by Rs 0.10 (0.94%) to close at Rs 10.70. The share price of Expolanka Holdings appreciated by Rs 0.75 (0.39%) closing at Rs 192.75.`