Week ends with gains

Indices closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Commercial Bank, Hatton National Bank and LOLC Holdings with the turnover crossing Rs 1.4 Bn. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Hatton National Bank, John Keells Holdings and Ambeon Capital. Mixed interest was observed in Nations Trust Bank, Hayleys and LOLC Finance whilst retail interest was noted in LVL Energy Fund rights, Renuka Agri Foods and Browns Investments. Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net sellers.

During the week the ASPI and the S&P SL20 gained 0.2% and 0.8% respectively whilst recording an average daily turnover of Rs. 1.28 Bn.

The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Hatton National Bank and Nations Trust Bank) whilst the sector index gained 1.69%. The share price of Hatton National Bank increased by Rs 3.50 (1.80%) to close at Rs 198.25. The share price of Nations Trust Bank moved up by Rs 3.25 (2.67%) to close at Rs 124.75.

Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings and Hayleys) whilst the sector index increased by 0.93%. The share price of John Keells Holdings gained Rs 1.75 (0.85%) to close at Rs 208.75. The share price of Hayleys recorded a gain of Rs 1.20 (1.30%) to close at Rs 93.80.
Ceylon Land & Equity was also included among the top turnover contributors. The share price of Ceylon Land & Equity closed flat at Rs 8.40.