ASPI loses 2.8% during the week

Indices closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Sampath Bank, Commercial Bank and John Keells Holdings with the turnover crossing Rs. 3.1 Bn. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Sampath Bank, John Keells Holdings and Hemas Holdings. Mixed interest was observed in Hayleys, Hatton National Bank and Commercial Bank whilst retail interest was noted in Nation Lanka Finance, Hela Apparel Holdings and UB Finance. Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net buyers.

During the week, both ASPI and S&P SL20 lost 2.8% and 4.3% respectively, while recording an average turnover of LKR 2.8 Bn.

The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Sampath Bank, Commercial Bank and Hatton National Bank) whilst the sector index lost 2.85%. The share price of Sampath Bank decreased by Rs 4.00 (3.53%) to close at Rs 109.25. The share price of Commercial Bank recorded a loss of Rs 4.25 (3.07%) to close at Rs 134.00. The share price of Hatton National Bank declined by Rs 6.00 (2.01%) to close at Rs 292.25.

Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings and Hayleys) whilst the sector index decreased by 1.71%. The share price of John Keells Holdings lost Rs 0.40 (2.00%) to close at Rs 19.60. The share price of Hayleys moved down by Rs 2.50 (1.79%) to close at Rs 137.50.