ASPI gains 9% during July

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Hayleys, DFCC Bank and Browns Investments with the turnover crossing Rs. 5.6 bn. 

A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Access Engineering, John Keells Holdings and Melstacorp. Mixed interest was observed in DFCC Bank, Browns Investments and National Development Bank whilst retail interest was noted in Industrial Asphalts, SMB Leasing and Co-Operative Insurance Company. 

Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net sellers. During the month, the ASPI and the S&P SL20 gained 9.0% and 7.7% respectively, whilst recording an average daily turnover of Rs. 7.16 bn. 

The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to DFCC Bank, National Development Bank and Union Bank) whilst the sector index gained 0.20%. The share price of DFCC Bank moved up by Rs. 6.00 (4.28%) to close at Rs. 146.25. 

The share price of National Development Bank recorded a gain of Rs. 1.50 (1.11%) to close at Rs. 137.00. The share price of Union Bank appreciated by Rs. 1.40 (12.28%) to close at Rs. 12.80. 

The Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings and Access Engineering) whilst the sector index edged up by 0.03%. The share price of John Keells Holdings decreased by Rs. 0.20 (0.83%) to close at Rs. 23.90. The share price of Access Engineering closed flat at Rs. 60.20.