Week commences on a positive note

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Hayleys, Aitken Spence and Access Engineering with the turnover crossing Rs. 2.3 Bn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Lion Brewery, Vidullanka and Central Finance Company.

Mixed interest was observed in Hemas Holdings, Access Engineering and John Keells Holdings whilst retail interest was noted in Softlogic Capital, Panasian Power and Cargills Bank. Furthermore, foreigners closed as net sellers.

The Food, Beverage & Tobacco sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Lion Brewery) whilst the sector index gained 0.58%. The share price of Lion Brewery increased by Rs 14.75 (1.34%) to close at Rs 1,114.75.

The Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Hemas Holdings, Access Engineering and John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index increased by 0.66%. The share price of Hemas Holdings gained Rs 1.40 (1.66%) to close at Rs 85.90. The share price of Access Engineering moved up by Rs 1.20 (4.40%) to close at Rs 28.50. The share price of John Keells Holdings moved up by Rs 0.10 (0.51%) to close at Rs 19.80.

Central Finance Company was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Central Finance Company recorded a gain of Rs 2.25 (1.77%) to close at Rs 129.50.