Crossings drive turnover

The ASPI edged down as a result of price losses in counters such as Commercial Bank, SMB Leasing nonvoting and SMB Leasing with the turnover crossing Rs. 575 Mn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Sanasa Development Bank, John Keells Holdings and Ceylon Land & Equity. Mixed interest was observed in Hatton National Bank, Commercial Bank and Nations Trust Bank whilst retail interest was noted in Maharaja Foods, SMB Leasing voting and nonvoting. 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 SL20 lost by 0.8% and 1.3% respectively whilst recording an average daily turnover of Rs. 577 Mn. The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Sanasa Development Bank, Hatton National Bank, Commercial Bank and Nations Trust Bank) whilst the sector index lost 0.16%. The share price of Sanasa Development Bank closed flat at Rs. 31.00. The share price of Hatton National Bank moved up by Rs. 1.25 (0.66%) to close at Rs. 190.75. The share price of Commercial Bank recorded a loss of Rs. 1.30 (1.35%) to close at Rs. 95.10. The share price of Nations Trust Bank appreciated by Rs. 2.00 (1.63%) to close at Rs. 125.00. Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index edged down by 0.05%. The share price of John Keells Holdings lost Rs. 0.75 (0.39%) to close at Rs. 191.25.