ASPI gains 2.6% during the week

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Central Finance Company, C T Holdings and DFCC Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 4.2 Bn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in John Keells Holdings, Sunshine Holdings and Lanka IOC. Mixed interest was observed in Overseas Realty, DFCC Bank and Central Finance Company whilst retail interest was noted in SMB Leasing, Industrial Asphalts and Browns Investments. 

Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net buyers. During the month, the ASPI and the S&P SL20 gained 2.6% and 1.8% respectively, whilst recording an average daily turnover of Rs. 5.60 Bn. The Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index edged up by 0.09%. The share price of John Keells Holdings closed flat at Rs 25.00. The Diversified Financials sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Central Finance Company and LB Finance) whilst the sector index increased by 1.27%. The share price of Central Finance Company recorded a gain of Rs 11.00 (3.77%) to close at Rs 303.00. The share price of LB Finance appreciated by Rs 0.75 (0.56%) to close at Rs 135.25. Overseas Realty and DFCC Bank were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Overseas Realty gained Rs 0.90 (2.50%) to close at Rs 36.90. The share price of DFCC Bank moved up by Rs 3.25 (2.34%) to close at Rs 142.25.