ASPI gains 0.8% during the week

Indices closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as LOLC Holdings, Royal Ceramics and National Development Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 2.4 Bn. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in John Keells Holdings, Hemas Holdings and Access Engineering. Mixed interest was observed in Sunshine Holdings, Swisstek and Agarapatana Plantations whilst retail interest was noted in Nation Lanka Finance, Marawila Resorts 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 SL 20 gained 0.8% and 0.2% respectively, whilst recording an average daily turnover of Rs. 1.43 Bn.

The Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings, Access Engineering and Hemas Holdings) whilst the sector index gained 0.85%. The share price of John Keells Holdings increased by Rs 0.10 (0.50%) to close at Rs 20.10. The share price of Access Engineering moved up by Rs 0.80 (2.06%) to close at Rs 39.70. The share price of Hemas Holdings recorded a gain of Rs 0.50 (0.42%) to close at Rs 120.00.

The Food, Beverage & Tobacco sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Sunshine Holdings and Agarapatana Plantations) whilst the sector index increased by 1.60%. The share price of Sunshine Holdings gained Rs 0.80 (3.54%) to close at Rs 23.40. The share price of Agarapatana Plantations appreciated by Rs 2.10 (14.29%) to close at Rs 16.80.