Indices close on a negative note with foreign buying

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Sampath Bank, Hayleys and DFCC Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 2.1 Bn. Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 edged down. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Citizens Development Business Finance, John Keells Holdings and Hatton National Bank. Mixed interest was observed in Sampath Bank, Commercial Bank and Dialog Axiata whilst retail interest was noted in SMB Leasing, Waskaduwa Beach Resort and Softlogic Capital. Furthermore, foreigners closed as net buyers.
The Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index gained 1.01%. The share price of John Keells Holdings increased by Rs 4.50 (2.32%) to close at Rs 198.25.

The diversified Financials sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Citizens Development Business Finance) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.79%. The share price of Citizens Development Business Finance closed flat at Rs 202.75.
Sampath Bank, Commercial Bank and Dialog Axiata were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Sampath Bank moved down by Rs 0.80 (0.97%) to close at Rs 81.40. The share price of Commercial Bank recorded a loss of Rs 0.50 (0.47%) to close at Rs 106.50. The share price of Dialog Axiata appreciated by Rs 0.50 (5.26%) to close at Rs 10.00.