ASPI gains 2.9% during the week

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as John Keells Holdings, LOLC Holdings and Carson Cumberbatch with the turnover crossing Rs. 3.1 Bn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in John Keells Holdings, Digital Mobility Solutions Lanka and Pan Asia Banking Corporation. Mixed interest was observed in Sampath Bank, Hatton National Bank and Agarapatana Plantations whilst retail interest was noted in Luminex, Cargills Bank and Browns Investments. Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels withforeigners closing as net buyers.

During the week, the ASPI and the S&P SL20 gained 2.9% and 3.5% respectively, whilst recording an average daily turnover of Rs. 3.67 Bn. The Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index gained 1.27%. The share price of John Keells Holdings increased by Rs 0.40 (1.94%) to close at Rs 21.00. The Banking sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Pan Asia Banking Corporation, Sampath Bank and Hatton National Bank) whilst the sector index edged up by 0.04%. The share price of Pan Asia Banking Corporation gained Rs 0.10 (0.26%) to close at Rs 38.60. The share price of Sampath Bank moved up by Rs 0.75 (0.66%) to close at Rs 114.25. The share price of Hatton National Bank edged up Rs 0.25 (0.08%) to close at Rs 305.25. Dialog Axiata was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Dialog Axiata recorded a gain of Rs 0.30 (2.03%) to close at Rs 15.10.