ASPI gains 0.3% during the week

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Commercial Bank, C T Holdings and Melstacorp with the turnover crossing Rs. 3.8 Bn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Ceylinco Holdings, Commercial Bank nonvoting and Hemas Holdings. Mixed interest was observed in Sampath Bank, Hatton National Bank and Colombo Dockyard whilst retail interest wasnoted in SMB Leasing, Softlogic Capital and HNB Finance.

Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net sellers.

During the week, the ASPI and the S&P SL20 gained 0.3% and 1.6% respectively, whilst recording an average daily turnover of Rs. 4.87 Bn. The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Sampath Bank, Hatton National Bank and Commercial Bank nonvoting) whilst the sector index edged down by 0.06%. The share price of Sampath Bank gained Rs 1.00 (0.62%) to close at Rs 163.25. The share price of Hatton National Bank moved up by Rs 0.75 (0.16%) to close at Rs 455.75. The share price of Commercial Bank nonvoting recorded a loss of Rs 0.75 (0.36%) to close at Rs 208.75.

The insurance sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Ceylinco Holdings) whilst the sector index increased by 0.55%. The share price of Ceylinco Holdings closed flat at Rs 3,250.00.

Colombo Dockyard was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Colombo Dockyard declined by Rs 1.75 (1.12%) to close at Rs 154.75.