Week commences with foreign buying

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Sampath Bank, Commercial Bank and Ceylinco Holdings with the turnover crossing Rs. 8.5 Bn.

A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in John Keells Holdings, Digital Mobility Solutions Lanka and Hemas Holdings. Mixed interest was observed in Browns Investments, Hatton National Bank and Sampath Bank whilst retail interest was noted in Industrial Asphalts, LOLC Finance and Beruwala Resorts. Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net buyers.

The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Hatton National Bank and Sampath Bank) whilst the sector index lost 1.94%. The share price of Hatton National Bank moved down by Rs 1.50 (0.47%) to close at Rs 318.75. The share price of Sampath Bank declined by Rs 3.25 (2.77%) to close at Rs 114.00.

The Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings and Hemas Holdings) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.19%. The share price of John Keells Holdings increased by Rs 0.10 (0.42%) to close at Rs 23.90. The share price of Hemas Holdings recorded a gain of Rs 1.50 (1.38%) to close at Rs 110.00.

Browns Investments was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Browns Investments gained Rs 0.20 (2.56%) to close at Rs 8.00.