Week ends on a positive note

The ASPI edged up as a result of price gains in counters such as John Keells Holdings, SMB Leasing nonvoting and Nations
Trust Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 776 Mn. Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 closed in green. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in John Keells Holdings, Hunas Holdings and Dialog Axiata. Mixed interest was
observed in Hayleys Fabric, Mackwoods Energy and Access Engineering whilst retail interest was noted in Browns
Investments, Commercial Bank rights and Softlogic Holdings.
Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net buyers. During the week, the ASPI and the S&P SL20 lost 1.6% and 2.8% respectively, whilst recording an average weekly turnover of Rs. 1.29 Bn.

Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings and Access Engineering)
whilst the sector index gained 1.49%. The share price of John Keells Holdings increased by Rs. 5.00 (2.85%) to close at Rs.
180.25. The share price of Access Engineering closed flat at Rs. 21.80.
Consumer Services sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Hunas Holdings) whilst the sector
index increased by 0.25%. The share price of Hunas Holdings gained Rs. 0.60 (2.02%) to close at Rs. 30.30.
Hayleys Fabric and Melstacorp were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Hayleys Fabric
moved up by Rs. 0.60 (1.25%) to close at Rs. 48.60. The share price of Melstacorp recorded a gain of Rs. 0.20 (0.25%) to close at Rs. 80.80.