Month begins with foreign buying

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Royal Ceramics, Central Finance Company and Sampath Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 686 Mn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in John Keells Holdings, Hayleys and ACL Cables. Mixedinterest was observed in People’s Leasing & Finance, Dipped Products and Access Engineering whilst retail interest was noted in Nation Lanka Finance, Browns Investments and Kotagala Plantations. Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net buyers.

Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Hayleys, John Keells Holdings and Access

Engineering) whilst the sector index lost 0.42%. The share price of Hayleys decreased by Rs. 1.25 (1.18%) to close at Rs. 105.00. The share price of John Keells Holdings gained Rs. 0.25 (0.12%) to close at Rs. 204.00. The share price of Access

Engineering closed flat at Rs. 23.80. Diversified Financials sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to People’s Leasing & Finance) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.80%. The share price of People’s Leasing & Finance closed flat at Rs. 12.60.
Dipped Products was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Dipped Products recorded a loss of Rs. 1.00 (2.65%) to close at Rs. 36.70.