September begins in red

Indices closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Commercial Bank, LOLC Holdings and Hatton National Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 615 Mn.

High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Hayleys, Ceylon Grain Elevators and Hatton National Bank. Mixed interest was observed in John Keells Holdings, Commercial Bank and Sampath Bank whilst retail interest was noted in LOLC Finance, Browns Investments and SMB Leasing. Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net sellers.

Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings and Hayleys)
whilst the sector index lost 1.23%. The share price of John Keells Holdings decreased by Rs. 1.75 (1.03%) to close atRs. 167.50. The share price of Hayleys lost Rs. 1.90 (2.11%) to close at Rs. 88.00.

The Banking sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Commercial Bank and Sampath Bank) whilst the sector index decreased by 1.78%. The share price of Commercial Bank recorded a loss of Rs. 1.90 (2.19%) to close at Rs. 84.70. The share price of Sampath Bank declined by Rs. 1.20 (1.71%) to close at Rs. 69.00.

Ceylon Grain Elevators was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Ceylon Grain Elevators moved down by Rs. 5.00 (3.13%) to close at Rs. 155.00.