CSE kicks off new year on high note

• ASPI reaches highest level since Dec. 2015
• Turnover crosses Rs.4.9bn

On the first day of trading for 2021, the investors yesterday signalled that the positivity they found in the second half of 2020 would be brought over to the new year, probably with much more vigour. 

The benchmark All Share Price Index (ASPI) reached the highest level since December 2015 yesterday, gaining 120.76 points or 1.78 percent, to close at 6,894.98, while the more liquid S&P SL 20 index gained 49.35 points or 1.87 percent to close at 2,687.45.

The market turnover for the day topped Rs.4.9 billion. According to NDB Securities, the ASPI was pushed upwards by price gains in counters such as Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC, Browns Investments PLC and Expolanka Holdings PLC.

Ceylon Tobacco yesterday retook its throne as the most valued company on the Colombo Stock Exchange from John Keells Holdings, accounting for 6.82 percent of the total market capitalisation.

Brokers said high-net-worth, institutional and retail investor interest was present in the market yesterday, on certain selected stocks.

The market turnover for the day topped Rs.4.9 billion. According to NDB Securities, the ASPI was pushed upwards by price gains in counters such as Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC, Browns Investments PLC and Expolanka Holdings PLC.

Ceylon Tobacco yesterday retook its throne as the most valued company on the Colombo Stock Exchange from John Keells Holdings, accounting for 6.82 percent of the total market capitalisation.

Brokers said high-net-worth, institutional and retail investor interest was present in the market yesterday, on certain selected stocks.

However, continuing the trend from last year, foreigners ended up as net sellers, with total foreign sales at Rs.322 million and foreign purchases at Rs.42 million.

Foreigners net sold over Rs.51 billion worth of stocks last year.