Crossings boost turnover

Indices closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Royal Ceramics, Melstacorp and Hemas Holdings with the turnover crossing Rs. 6.1 Bn. 

High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Hatton National Bank, Lanka IOC and

Royal Ceramics. Mixed interest was observed in LB Finance, John Keells Holdings and ACL Cables whilst retail interest was noted in Sathosa Motors and Udapussellawa Plantations. Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net buyers.

Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Royal Ceramics and John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index gained 0.58%. The share price of Royal Ceramics increased by Rs 4.00 (10.00%) to close at Rs 44.00. The share price of John Keells Holdings closed flat at Rs 25.00.

The Banking sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Hatton National Bank nonvoting) whilst the sector index edged down by 0.02%. The share price of Hatton National Bank nonvoting gained Rs 2.50 (0.87%) to close at Rs 290.50.

Lanka IOC and LB Finance were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Lanka

IOC moved up by Rs 2.25 (1.63%) to close at Rs 140.50.

The share price of LB Finance appreciated by Rs 4.75 (3.51%) to close at Rs 140.00.