Market closes in red; foreign inflow continues

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) ended on a negative note yesterday but foreigners remained active during the day closing as net buyers.

The All Share Price Index (ASPI) lost 51.36 points or 1.06 percent to close at 4795.40 while the more liquid S&P Sl20 Index lost 53.88 points or 2.67 percent to close at 
1962.20 points.

The market turnover for the day stood at Rs.839.9 billion. The main contributors to the turnover were John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH) and Sampath Bank PLC. JKH contributed Rs.227 million while Sampath Bank contributed Rs.138 million.

Crossings accounted for 17.7 percent of the turnover with one crossing in Dialog Axiata PLC (Rs.31.2 million), one crossing in Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC) (Rs. 22.3 million) and three crossing in JKH (Rs.94.8 million).

Foreign investors recorded a net inflow of Rs.26.6 million over the day, compared to a net inflow of Rs.294.4 million recorded last Friday.

NDB Stockbrokers said high-net-worth and institutional investor participation was noted in JKH, Sampath Bank, Sunshine Holdings and CTC. 

Mixed interest was observed in Commercial Bank and Dialog Axiata whilst retail interest was noted in First Capital Holdings.