Week commences with foreign buying

Indices closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Commercial Bank, John Keells Holdings and DFCC Bank with the turnover crossing Rs 2.1 Bn. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in John Keells Holdings, Diesel & Motor Engineering and Sierra Cables. Mixed interest was observed in National Development Bank, Sunshine Holdings and Royal

Ceramics whilst retail interest was noted in SMB Leasing nonvoting, LOLC Finance and Browns Investments. Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net buyers.

Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings and Royal Ceramics) whilst the sector index lost 0.65%. The share price of John Keells Holdings decreased by Rs 2.50 (1.22%) to close at Rs 203.00. The share price of Royal Ceramics recorded a gain of Rs 0.50 (1.45%) to close at Rs 35.00.

Food, Beverage & Tobacco sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Browns Investments) whilst the sector index increased by 0.40%. The share price of Browns Investments gained Rs 0.20 (3.12%) to close at Rs 6.60.

LOLC Finance and National Development Bank were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of LOLC Finance moved up by Rs 0.40 (5.71%) to close at Rs 7.40. The share price of National Development Bank appreciated by Rs 0.50 (0.64%) to close at Rs 78.30.