Crossings boost turnover

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as John Keells Holdings, Hayleys and Central Finance Company with the turnover crossing Rs. 17.0 Bn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. Crossings were witnessed in Hatton National Bank nonvoting, Hatton National Bank and John Keells Holdings accounting for 69.9% of the turnover. Mixed interest was observed in Sampath Bank, Browns Investments and Access Engineering whilst retail interest was noted in Citrus Leisure, HVA Foods and Eastern Merchants. 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 Hatton National Bank nonvoting, Hatton National Bank and Sampath Bank) whilst the sector index lost 0.13%. The share price of Hatton National Bank nonvoting decreased by Rs 7.00 (2.39%) to close at Rs 286.50. The share price of Hatton National Bank lost Rs 0.50 (0.14%) to close at Rs 359.50. The share price of Sampath Bank appreciated by Rs 1.25 (0.90%) to close at Rs 139.50. Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings and Access Engineering) whilst the sector index decreased by 1.08%. The share price of John Keells Holdings moved down by Rs 0.40 (1.54%) to close at Rs 25.60. The share price of Access Engineering recorded a loss of Rs 0.90 (1.53%) to close at Rs 58.00.