ASPI loses 0.33% during the month

Indices closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Commercial Bank, John Keells Holdings and Hatton National Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 7.0 Bn. High  net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Renuka Agri Foods, Softlogic Finance and Commercial Bank. Mixed interest was observed in Sampath Bank, Softlogic Capital and John Keells Holdings whilst retail interest was noted in Co-Operative Insurance Company, Browns Investments and Hikkaduwa Beach Resort. 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 lost 0.3% and 0.1% respectively, whilst recording an average daily turnover of Rs. 5.62 Bn.

Food, Beverage & Tobacco sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Renuka Agri Foods) whilst the sector index gained 0.75%. The share price of Renuka Agri Foods increased by Rs 0.20 (1.35%) to close at Rs 15.00.

Diversified Financials sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Softlogic Finance and LOLC Holdings) whilst the sector index increased by 0.59%. The share price of Softlogic Finance gained Rs 0.70 (11.11%) to close at Rs 7.00. The share price of LOLC Holdings appreciated by Rs 6.50 (1.13%) to close at Rs 580.00.

Commercial Bank and Sampath Bank were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Commercial Bank moved down by Rs 7.25 (3.17%) to close at Rs 221.50. The share price of Sampath Bank recorded a loss of Rs 0.25 (0.16%) to close at Rs 160.75.