ASPI gains 4% during the week

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Hatton National Bank, John Keells Holdings and Ceylon Tobacco Company with the turnover crossing Rs. 7.4 Bn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Melstacorp, John Keells Holdings and Sierra Cables. Mixed interest was observed in Hatton National Bank, Browns Investments and LOLC Holdings whilst retail interest was noted
in Maharaja Foods, Waskaduwa Beach Resort and LOLC Finance. 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 4.1% and 3.8% respectively whilst recording an average daily turnover of Rs. 8.35 Bn.

Food, Beverage & Tobacco sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Melstacorp and Browns Investments) whilst the sector index lost 0.30%. The share price of Melstacorp gained Rs 4.50 (3.64%) to close at Rs 128.00. The share price of Browns Investments moved down by Rs 0.20 (2.27%) to close at Rs 8.60.
The Banking sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Hatton National Bank) whilst the sector index decreased by 1.40%. The share price of Hatton National Bank decreased by Rs 14.25 (3.95%) to close at Rs 346.25.
John Keells Holdings and Sierra Cables were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of John Keells Holdings recorded a loss of Rs 0.40 (1.67%) to close at Rs 23.50. The share price of Sierra Cables appreciated by Rs 0.40 (2.53%) to close at Rs 16.20.