ASPI starts week in green

By First Capital Research

The broader market began the week on a positive note, showing increased market activity, particularly with heightened interest in the selected plantation and hotel sector stocks. Amidst the increased participation from retail and HNW investors, the ASPI closed the day in green at 13,719, gaining 105 points, marking a 0.77 percent increase from the previous week. Participation in the banking sector saw a decrease during the trading session. The most significant contributors towards the positive index were HAYL, LOLC, HNB, CFIN and LIOC.

Meanwhile, amidst multiple off-board transactions, the turnover stood at Rs.4.5 billion, marking a 16.9 percent increase from the monthly average. Moreover, the diversified financials sector led the turnover by 21 percent, followed by the capital goods and food, beverage and tobacco sectors jointly contributing 38 percent of the overall turnover.  Foreign investors turned net buyers with a net inflow of Rs.47.2 million.

HAYL and AAF led the overall turnover with HAYL recording a turnover of Rs.347.9 million (8 percent) whilst AAF recorded a turnover of Rs.235.4 million (5 percent). Meanwhile, BERU dominated the market volume with 41.9 million shares (16 percent) while HNBF was the second largest contributor with 35.3 million shares (13 percent). Overall volume increased to 265.7 million.
Foreign investors turned net buyers, recording a net foreign inflow of Rs.47.2 million, amidst low participation. Accordingly, LOLC, HAYL and JKH were the top three shares to lead foreign inflow while HHL, CARS and KVAL were the top three counters recording the largest foreign outflow.