ASPI closes in green

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as LOLC Holdings, Expolanka Holdings and Browns Investments with the turnover crossing Rs. 1.1 bn.

A similar behavior was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was remained subdued for the day whilst mixed interest was observed in Expolanka Holdings, Hatton National Bank and Hayleys Fabric.

Mixed interest was observed in Expolanka Holdings, Hatton National Bank and Hayleys Fabric whilst retail interest was noted in LOLC Finance, Browns Investments and SMB Leasing. Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net sellers.

Diversified Financials sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to LOLC Finance) whilst the sector index gained 1.00%. The share price of LOLC Finance moved up by Rs. 0.60 (9.23%) to close at Rs. 7.10.

Consumer Services sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to) whilst the sector index increased by 3.00%.

Expolanka Holdings, Hatton National Bank, Browns Investments and Hayleys Fabric were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Expolanka Holdings increased by Rs. 16.50 (10.41%) to close at Rs. 175.00.

The share price of Hatton National Bank lost Rs. 1.00 (1.20%) to close at Rs. 82.00. The share price of Browns Investments recorded a gain of Rs. 0.40 (6.78%) to close at Rs. 6.30. The share price of Hayleys Fabric appreciated by Rs. 1.90 (7.01%) to close at Rs. 29.00.

Furthermore, Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company, Harischandra Mills, Aitken Spence and Ceylon Tobacco Company announced their interim dividends of Rs. 25.00, Rs. 25.00, Rs. 4.00 and Rs. 10.00 per share respectively.