Downturn continues

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Melstacorp, Commercial Bank and LOLC Finance with the turnover crossing Rs 2.2 Bn. Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 edged down. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in John Keells Holdings, Pan Asia Banking Corporation, and Sampath Bank. Mixed interest was observed in Hayleys, Dialog Axiata and Haycarb whilst retail interest was noted in Browns Investments, Prime Lands Residencies and LOLC Finance. Furthermore, foreigners closed as net sellers.
Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings and Hayleys) whilst the sector index gained 1.01%. The share price of John Keells Holdings gained Rs 3.25 (1.61%) to close at Rs 204.75. The share price of Hayleys appreciated by Rs 1.70 (1.83%) to close at Rs 94.80.
The Banking sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Pan Asia Banking Corporation) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.30%. The share price of Pan Asia Banking Corporation moved down by Rs 0.30 (1.31%) to close at Rs 22.60.
Browns Investments and Prime Lands Residencies were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Browns Investments decreased by Rs 0.10 (1.49%) to close at Rs 6.60. The share price of Prime Lands Residencies recorded a gain of Rs 0.50 (5.32%) to close at Rs 9.90.