ASPI up for 7th straight session with LKR 3.96 Bn turnover

Indices closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Hatton National Bank, Commercial Bank and Sampath Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 3.9 Bn.
High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Commercial Bank, Hatton National Bank, Sampath Bank. Mixed interest was observed in John Keells Holdings, Browns Investments and LOLC Finance whilst retail interest was noted in Industrial Asphalts, Marawila Resorts and Softlogic Capital. Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net buyers. The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Hatton National Bank, Commercial Bank, Sampath Bank and Pan Asia Banking Corporation) whilst the sector index gained 5.00%. The share price of Hatton National Bank increased by Rs 12.75 (7.18%) to close at Rs 190.25. The share price of Commercial Bank gained Rs 5.60 (5.96%) to close at Rs 99.60. The share price of Sampath Bank moved up by Rs 2.40 (3.20%) to close at Rs 77.40. The share price of Pan Asia Banking Corporation appreciated by Rs 1.70 (8.42%) to close at Rs 21.90. The Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index increased by 1.76%. The share price of John Keells Holdings recorded a gain of Rs 2.25 (1.33%) to close at Rs 171.25.