ASPI gains 2.1% during the week

Indices closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Dialog Axiata, DFCC Bank and Dipped Products with the turnover crossing Rs. 5.4 Bn. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in John Keells Holdings, Dialog Axiata and Commercial Bank. Mixed interest was observed in DFCC Bank, Dipped Products and Melstacorp whilst retail interest was noted in Waskaduwa Beach Resort, LVL Energy Fund 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 SL 20 gained 2.1% and 2.6% respectively, whilst recording an average daily turnover of Rs. 4.96 Bn.
The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index gained 0.28%. The share price of John Keells Holdings increased by Rs. 0.10 (0.42%) to close at Rs. 24.00.
Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Commercial Bank and Access Engineering) whilst the sector index increased by 0.47%. The share price of Commercial Bank moved up by Rs. 1.00 (0.69%) to close at Rs. 145.25. The share price of Access Engineering recorded a gain of Rs. 0.60 (1.73%) to close at Rs. 35.30.
DFCC Bank and Hatton National Bank were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of DFCC Bank gained Rs. 2.50 (2.14%) to close at Rs. 119.25. The share price of Hatton National Bank edged down Rs. 0.25 (0.08%) to close at Rs. 327.75.