Week begins with foreign buying

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Hatton National Bank, Hayleys and Central Finance Company with the turnover crossing Rs 657 Mn. A similar behavior was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation were noted in Hemas Holdings and Sampath Bank. Mixed interest was observed in Vallibel One, LOLC Finance and Dipped Products whilst retail interest was noted in Industrial Asphalts, Browns Investments and SMB Leasing. Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net buyers.

Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Hemas Holdings and Vallibel One) whilst the sector index lost 0.73%. The share price of Hemas Holdings increased by Rs 0.90 (1.12%) to close at Rs 81.40. The share price of Vallibel One moved down by Rs 0.10 (0.20%) to close at Rs 50.50.

The Banking sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Sampath Bank) whilst the sector index decreased by 1.01%. The share price of Sampath Bank lost Rs 0.30 (0.38%) to close at Rs 77.90.

LOLC Finance and Dipped Products were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of LOLC Finance recorded a loss of Rs 0.30 (5.00%) to close at Rs 5.70. The share price of Dipped Products declined by Rs 0.80 (2.23%) to close at Rs 35.00.