ASPI loses 0.5% during the week

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Ceylinco Insurance, Bukit Darah and Royal Ceramics with the turnover crossing Rs. 2.0 Bn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Hayleys Fabric, Royal Ceramics and Cargills. Mixed interest was observed in Dipped Products, Lanka Milk Foods and John Keells Holdings whilst retail interest was noted in Waskaduwa Beach Resort, Industrial Asphalts and LVL Energy Fund. 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 lost 0.5% and 1.2% respectively, whilst recording an average daily turnover of Rs. 2.32 Bn. The Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Royal Ceramics and John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index lost 0.58%. The share price of Royal Ceramics increased by Rs 0.90 (2.81%) to close at Rs 32.90. The share price of John Keells Holdings recorded a loss of Rs 0.30 (1.40%) to close at Rs 21.20.

The Materials sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Dipped Products) whilst the sector index increased by 1.56%. The share price of Dipped Products gained Rs 1.20 (2.93%) to close at Rs 42.20.

Lanka Milk Foods and Sampath Bank were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Lanka Milk Foods moved up by Rs 0.50 (1.52%) to close at Rs 33.50.

The share price of Sampath Bank appreciated by Rs 0.50 (0.56%) to close at Rs 89.00. Furthermore, Ceylon Tobacco Company announced an interim dividend of Rs. 40.90 per share.