Week commences with foreign buying

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as John Keells Holdings, Hatton National Bank and Carson Cumberbatch with the turnover crossing Rs 1.3 Bn. A similar behavior was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation were noted in People’s Leasing & Finance, Melstacorp and Distilleries. Mixed interest was observed in John Keells Holdings, Hayleys and Nations Trust Bank whilst retail interest was noted in Browns Investments, SMB Leasing nonvoting and LOLC Finance. Furthermore, foreigners closed as net buyers.

Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (John Keells Holdings and Hayleys) whilst the sector index gained 1.30%. The share price of John Keells Holdings increased by Rs 4.50 (2.23%) to close at Rs 206.50. The share price of Hayleys moved up by Rs 0.75 (0.71%) to close at Rs 105.75.
The Banking sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (Nations Trust Bank ) whilst the sector index increased by 0.75%. The share price of Nations Trust Bank recorded a gain of Rs 1.25 (0.93%) to close at Rs 135.00.

People’s Leasing & Finance and Hayleys Fabric were also included among the top turnover contributors. The share price of People’s Leasing & Finance gained Rs 0.50 (4.03%) to close at Rs 12.90. The share price of Hayleys Fabric appreciated by Rs 0.80 (1.72%) to close at Rs 47.40.