ASPI gains 1.0% during the week

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as John Keells Holdings, Hatton National Bank and LB Finance with the turnover crossing Rs. 8.4 Bn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Mercantile Investments & Finance, LOLC Holdings and DFCC Bank. Mixed interest was observed in First Capital Holdings, Digital Mobility Solutions Lanka and Commercial Bank whilst retail interest was noted in SMB Leasing, UB Finance Company and Co-Operative Insurance Company. 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 1.0% and 0.6% respectively, whilst recording an average daily turnover of Rs. 9.26 Bn. Diversified Financials sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Mercantile Investments & Finance, First Capital Holdings and LOLC Holdings) whilst the sector index gained 0.65%. The share price of Mercantile Investments & Finance closed flat at Rs 2,600.00. The share price of First Capital Holdings moved up by Rs 1.30 (1.99%) to close at Rs 66.50. The share price of LOLC Holdings recorded a gain of Rs 3.50 (0.62%) to close at Rs 569.75.

The Banking sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Commercial Bank) whilst the sector index increased by 0.56%. The share price of Commercial Bank appreciated by Rs 1.75 (0.86%) to close at Rs 205.00. Digital Mobility Solutions Lanka was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Digital Mobility Solutions Lanka gained Rs 7.00 (4.92%) to close at Rs 149.25.