Week ends on a positive note

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Hayleys, Sunshine Holdings and LOLC Holdings with the turnover crossing Rs. 4.9 Bn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Melstacorp, LOLC Holdings and Access Engineering. Mixed interest was observed in HNB Finance, Agarapatana Plantations and Kotagala Plantations whilst retail interest was noted in Industrial Asphalts, Asia Siyaka Commodities and SMB Leasing. Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net sellers.
During the week, the ASPI and S&P SL20 gained 3.2% and 4.0% respectively, whilst recording an average turnover of Rs. 4.04 Bn. Food, Beverage & Tobacco sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Melstacorp and Agarapatana Plantations) whilst the sector index gained 1.39%. The share price of Melstacorp closed flat at Rs. 106.00. The share price of Agarapatana Plantations recorded a gain of Rs. 1.40 (15.22%) to close at Rs. 10.60. Diversified Financials sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to HNB Finance) whilst the sector index edged down by 0.05%. The share price of HNB Finance decreased by Rs. 1.50 (26.32%) to close at Rs. 4.20.
Access Engineering and John Keells Holdings were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Access Engineering gained Rs. 1.20 (4.00%) to close at Rs. 31.20. The share price of John Keells Holdings declined by Rs. 0.10 (0.48%) to close at Rs. 20.70.