ASPI losses 4.0% during the month

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Hatton National Bank, Melstacorp and Bukit Darah with the turnover crossing Rs. 1.6 Bn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Lankem Ceylon, Commercial Bank and Richard Pieris & Company. Mixed interest was observed in Sampath Bank, John Keells Holdings and Hatton National Bank whilst retail interest was noted in Nation Lanka Finance, LOLC Finance and Hela Apparel Holdings. 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 4.0% and 4.0% respectively, whilst recording an average dailyturnover of Rs. 2.12 Bn.

The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Commercial Bank, Sampath Bank and Hatton National Bank) whilst the sector index lost 0.92%. The share price of Commercial Bank decreased by Rs 0.25 (0.17%) to close at Rs 147.50. The share price of Sampath Bank moved up by Rs 0.50 (0.41%) to close at Rs 122.50. The share price of Hatton National Bank recorded a loss of Rs 9.75 (3.10%) to close at Rs 305.00.

The Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings and Lankem Ceylon) whilst the sector index increased by 0.21%. The share price of John Keells Holdings closed flat at Rs 20.20. The share price of Lankem Ceylon appreciated by Rs 2.40 (2.84%) to close at Rs 86.90.