COMB crossings account for 40% of turnover

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Commercial Bank, Diesel & Motor Engineering and Bukit Darah with the turnover crossing Rs. 13.3 bn. 

Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 edged down. Crossings were witnessed in Commercial Bank, Cargills and Diesel & Motor Engineering, accounting for 54.8% of the turnover. 

Mixed interest was observed in John Keells Holdings, SMB Leasing and UB Finance Company whilst retail interest was noted in Kotagala Plantations Rights, Hela Apparel Holdings and Waskaduwa Beach Resort. 

Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net buyers. The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Commercial Bank) whilst the sector index gained 0.75%. The share price of Commercial Bank increased by Rs. 6.25 (3.17%) to close at Rs. 203.25. 

Diversified Financials sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to SMB Leasing) whilst the sector index increased by 0.78%. The share price of SMB Leasing recorded a gain of Rs. 0.30 (42.86%) to close at Rs. 1.00. Diesel & Motor Engineering, John Keells Holdings and Cargills were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. 

The share price of Diesel & Motor Engineering gained Rs. 552.00 (27.47%) to close at Rs. 2,561.75. The share price of John Keells Holdings moved down by Rs. 0.60 (2.79%) to close at Rs. 20.90. The share price of Cargills appreciated by Rs. 17.25 (2.30%) to close at Rs. 767.25.