ASPI gains 1.7% during the week

The ASPI edged up as a result of price gains in counters such as Commercial Bank, Nations Trust Bank nonvoting and Hatton National Bank nonvoting with the turnover crossing Rs 1.2 Bn. Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 closed in green. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Hatton National Bank, Sampath Bank, and People’s Leasing & Finance. Mixed interest was observed in Access Engineering, Hayleys and DFCC Bank whilst retail interest was noted in Browns Investments, Prime Lands Residencies and Co-Operative Insurance Company. 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 1.7% and 2.4% respectively whilst recording an average daily turnover of Rs. 1.13 Bn.
The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Hatton National Bank and Sampath Bank) whilst the sector index gained 0.47%. The share price of Hatton National Bank increased by Rs 1.00 (0.49%) to close at Rs 205.25. The share price of Sampath Bank gained Rs 0.10 (0.12%) to close at Rs 80.10.
Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Access Engineering and Hayleys) whilst the sector index increased by 0.33%. The share price of Access Engineering recorded a gain of Rs 0.20 (0.82%) to close at Rs 24.50. The share price of Hayleys appreciated by Rs 1.10 (1.16%) to close at Rs 96.10.
People’s Leasing & Finance was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of People’s Leasing & Finance moved up by Rs 0.20 (1.68%) to close at Rs 12.10.