ASPI gains 7.4% during the week

Indices closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Hatton National Bank, Hayleys and Access Engineering with the turnover crossing Rs. 2.9 Bn. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Access Engineering, Hatton National Bank and CIC Holdings. Mixed interest was observed in John Keells Holdings, Aitken Spence and Sampath Bank whilst retail interest was noted in Browns Investments, Marawila Resorts and LOLC Finance. Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net buyers.
During the week, the ASPI and the S&P SL 20 gained 7.4% and 9.9% respectively, whilst recording an average daily turnover of Rs. 2.85 Bn.
The Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Access Engineering, John Keells Holdings and Aitken Spence) whilst the sector index gained 1.26%. The share price of Access Engineering increased by Rs 1.50 (6.82%) to close at Rs 23.50. The share price of John Keells Holdings moved up by Rs 1.25 (0.73%) to close at Rs 172.75. The share price of Aitken Spence recorded a gain of Rs 3.00 (2.48%) to close at Rs 124.00.
The Banking sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Hatton National Bank and Sampath Bank) whilst the sector index increased by 0.72%. The share price of Hatton National Bank gained Rs 4.00 (2.00%) to close at Rs 203.75. The share price of Sampath Bank declined by Rs 1.00 (1.28%) to close at Rs 77.00.