ASPI crosses 16,500 mark for the first time

Indices closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as DFCC Bank, Sampath Bank and National Development Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 8.3 bn.

High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Commercial Bank, John Keells Holdings and CIC Holdings. 

Mixed interest was observed in Hatton National Bank, DFCC Bank and National Development Bank whilst retail interest was noted in Lanka Credit and Business Finance, SMB Leasing and LOLC Finance. 

Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net sellers. The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Commercial Bank, Hatton National Bank, DFCC Bank, National Development Bank and Sampath Bank) whilst the sector index gained 2.50%. The share price of Commercial Bank increased by Rs. 1.50 (1.03%) to close at Rs. 147.50.

The share price of Hatton National Bank gained Rs. 4.75 (1.44%) to close at Rs. 334.75. The share price of DFCC Bank moved up by Rs. 10.50 (8.59%) to close at Rs. 132.75. The share price of National Development Bank recorded a gain of Rs. 5.75 (4.81%) to close at Rs. 125.25. 

The share price of Sampath Bank appreciated by Rs. 3.50 (2.95%) to close at Rs. 122.00. The Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover, whilst the sector index increased by 0.24%.