ASPI gains 4% during the week

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Commercial Bank, Hatton National Bank and Aitken Spence with the turnover crossing Rs 4.1 Bn. A similar behaviour was itnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Hayleys, John Keells Holdings and People's Leasing & Finance. Mixed interest was observed in Browns Investments, Hemas Holdings and Lanka IOC whilst retail interest was noted in LOLC Finance, SMB Leasing and Waskaduwa Beach Resort rights. 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 3.8% and 5.4% respectively whilst recording an average daily turnover of Rs. 2.71 Bn.

Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Hayleys, John Keells Holdings and Hemas Holdings) whilst the sector index edged up by 0.11%. The share price of Hayleys decreased by Rs 1.70 (2.00%) to close at Rs 83.30. The share price of John Keells Holdings lost Rs 1.50 (0.72%) to close at Rs 208.25. The share price of Hemas Holdings recorded a gain of Rs 2.20 (2.61%) to close at Rs 86.50.
Food, Beverage & Tobacco sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Browns Investments) whilst the sector index increased by 1.21%. The share price of Browns Investments moved up by Rs 0.30 (4.84%) to close at Rs 6.50.
Lanka IOC was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Lanka IOC appreciated by Rs 3.75 (2.95%) to close at Rs 130.75.