Crossings drive turnover

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Sampath Bank, Ceylon Tobacco Company and Commercial Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 797 mn. 

A similar behavior was witnessed in the S&P SL20. Crossings were witnessed in Commercial Bank, Dialog Axiata and Kelani Tyres accounting for 42.1% of the turnover. 

Mixed interest was observed in Hatton National Bank, John Keells Holdings and Associated Motor Finance Company whilst retail interest was noted in Tess Agro, Nation Lanka Finance and CoOperative Insurance Company .

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 Commercial Bank and Hatton National Bank) whilst the sector index lost 0.69%. 

The share price of Commercial Bank decreased by Rs. 0.70 (0.75%) to close at Rs. 93.00. The share price of Hatton National Bank recorded a loss of Rs. 1.25 (0.68%) to close at Rs. 183.00. 

Telecommunication Services sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Dialog Axiata) whilst the sector index edged down by 0.05%. The share price of Dialog Axiata closed flat at Rs. 9.00. Kelani Tyres and John Keells Holdings were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. 

The share price of Kelani Tyres moved up by Rs. 1.00 (1.28%) to close at Rs. 79.20. The share price of John Keells Holdings declined by Rs. 1.25 (0.69%) to close at Rs. 181.00.