ASPI losses after five consecutive days of gains

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Ceylon Tobacco Company, Sampath Bank and National Development Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 7.5 bn. 

A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. Crossings were witnessed in Alumex, E B Creasy & Company and Aitken Spence, accounting for 51.7% of the turnover. 

Mixed interest was observed in Sierra Cables, Lanka Milk Foods and Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings whilst retail interest was noted in SMB Leasing, Mackwoods Energy and CoOperative Insurance Company. 

Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net buyers. The materials sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Alumex) whilst the sector index lost 0.52%. The share price of Alumex increased by Rs .1.00 (5.38%) to close at Rs 19.60. 

The Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Sierra Cables and E B Creasy & Company) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.68%. The share price of Sierra Cables gained Rs. 1.50 (6.07%) to close at Rs. 26.20. 

The share price of E B Creasy & Company moved up by Rs. 3.10 (4.77%) to close at Rs. 68.10. Lanka Milk Foods and Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Lanka Milk Foods recorded a gain of Rs. 1.10 (1.86%) to close at Rs. 60.10. The share price of Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings appreciated by Rs. 11.00 (12.43%) to close at Rs. 99.50.