Week begins in green

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as C T Holdings, Sampath Bank and Hatton National Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 2.7 Bn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Commercial Bank, Central Finance Company and and Sampath Bank. Mixed interest was observed in Pan Asia Banking Corporation, Waskaduwa Beach Resort and Hatton National Bank whilst retail interest was noted in SMB Leasing nonvoting, Browns Investments and LOLC Finance. Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net sellers.

The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Sampath Bank, Commercial Bank and Pan Asia Banking Corporation) whilst the sector index gained 1.99%. The share price of Sampath Bank increased by Rs 1.70 (2.09%) to close at Rs 83.00. The share price of Commercial Bank gained Rs 1.50 (1.43%) to close at Rs 106.50. The share price of Pan Asia Banking Corporation moved up by Rs 0.50 (2.19%) to close at Rs 23.30. 

The Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index increased by 0.66%. The share price of John Keells Holdings appreciated by Rs 2.75 (1.48%) to close at Rs 189.00.

Waskaduwa Beach Resort was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Waskaduwa

Beach Resort recorded a loss of Rs 0.20 (8.70%) to close at Rs 2.10.