Indices close in red

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Royal Ceramics, Melstacorp and Richard Pieris & Company with the turnover crossing Rs 3.4 Bn.

Similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation remained subdued for the day whilst mixed interest was observed in Expolanka Holdings, Softlogic Life Insurance and Softlogic Capital. Retail interest was noted in Browns Investments, SMB Leasing voting & nonvoting and LOLC Finance. Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net buyers.

Transportation sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Expolanka Holdings) whilst the sector index edged down by 0.11%. The share price of Expolanka Holdings edged down by Rs 0.25 (0.11%) to close at Rs 219.50.

Food, Beverage & Tobacco sector was the second-highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Browns Investments) whilst the sector index edged up by 0.09%.

The share price of Browns Investments gained Rs 0.40 (5.06%) to close at Rs 8.30.

LOLC Finance, Softlogic Life Insurance and Softlogic Capital were also included among the top turnover contributors.

The share price of LOLC Finance moved down by Rs 0.10 (1.01%) to close at Rs 9.80. The share price of Softlogic Life Insurance recorded a loss of Rs 7.20 (9.93%) to close at Rs 65.30. The share price of Softlogic Capital declined by Rs 0.10 (1.22%) to close at Rs 8.10.