ASPI up for 5th straight session

The ASPI edged up as a result of price gains in counters such as Dialog Axiata, Sunshine Holdings and Royal Ceramics with the turnover crossing Rs. 10.5 bn. 

A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. Crossings were witnessed in Hatton National Bank, Sunshine Holdings and Sampath Bank, accounting for 54.1% of the turnover. 

Mixed interest was observed in Kandy Hotels Company, Ceylon Hotels Corporation and Sierra Cables, whilst retail interest was noted in Industrial Asphalts, Lanka Credit and Business Finance and Softlogic Capital. 

Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net sellers. The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Hatton National Bank and Sampath Bank) whilst the sector index lost 0.43%. The share price of Hatton National Bank decreased by Rs. 1.50 (0.37%) to close at Rs. 404.50. The share price of Sampath Bank recorded a loss of Rs. 1.00 (0.68%) to close at Rs. 146.00. Consumer Services sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Kandy Hotels Company and Ceylon Hotels Corporation) whilst the sector index increased by 2.74%. The share price of Kandy Hotels Company moved up by Rs. 3.10 (21.09%) to close at Rs. 17.80. 

The share price of Ceylon Hotels Corporation appreciated by Rs. 4.30 (15.19%) to close at Rs. 32.60. Sunshine Holdings was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Sunshine Holdings gained Rs. 2.80 (10.18%) to close at Rs. 30.30.