ASPI gains 0.5% during the week

The ASPI edged down as a result of price losses in counters such as Melstacorp, Sampath Bank and Diesel & Motor Engineering with the turnover crossing Rs. 5.6 Bn.

Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 closed in red. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Hemas Holdings, Hatton National Bank nonvoting and Hatton National Bank. Mixed interest was observed in Renuka Agri Foods, R I L Property and Sierra Cables whilst retail interest was noted in SMB Leasing, Waskaduwa Beach Resort and Hela Apparel Holdings. 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 0.5% and 0.9% respectively, whilst recording an average daily turnover of Rs. 7.00 Bn.

The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Hatton National Bank and Hatton National Bank nonvoting) whilst the sector index lost 0.61%. The share price of Hatton National Bank recorded a loss of Rs 3.25 (0.77%) to close at Rs 416.75. The share price of Hatton National Bank nonvoting declined by Rs 0.50 (0.15%) to close at Rs 333.00. Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Hemas Holdings) whilst the sector index edged up by 0.02%. The share price of Hemas Holdings increased by Rs 0.40 (1.15%) to close at Rs 35.30. Renuka Agri Foods and R I L Property were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Renuka Agri Foods gained Rs 0.70 (9.21%) to close at Rs 8.30. The share price of R I L Property moved up by Rs 0.80(2.16%) to close at Rs 37.90.