ASPI gains 1.7% during the week

Indices closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as John Keells Holdings, Commercial Bank and LOLC Holdings with the turnover crossing Rs. 4.7 Bn. Crossings were witnessed in Hatton National Bank, Sampath Bank and CIC Holdings accounting for 44.9% of the turnover.
Mixed interest was observed in John Keells Holdings, Commercial Bank and Access Engineering whilst retail
interest was noted in Lanka Credit and Business Finance, SMB Leasing nonvoting and Industrial Asphalts. 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 SL 20 gained 1.7% and 3.8% respectively, whilst recording an average daily turnover of Rs. 3.06 Bn.
The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Hatton National Bank, Sampath Bank and Commercial Bank) whilst the sector index gained 0.84%. The share price of Hatton National Bank edged downby Rs 0.25 (0.11%) to close at Rs 219.00. The share price of Sampath Bank lost Rs 0.50 (0.58%) to close at Rs 85.00. The share price of Commercial Bank appreciated by Rs 2.25 (2.02%) to close at Rs 113.50.
The Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index increased by 1.50%. The share price of John Keells Holdings moved up by Rs 4.50 (2.15%) to close at Rs 214.00.
Central Finance Company was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Central Finance Company recorded a gain of Rs 1.00 (0.82%) to close at Rs 123.00.