Feb ends on a positive note

Indices closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Hatton National Bank, Commercial Bank and Sampath Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 1.7 Bn. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Commercial Bank, Hemas Holdings and Sampath Bank. Mixed interest was observed in Hatton National Bank, John Keells Holdings and Dialog Axiata whilst retail interest was noted in SMB Leasing nonvoting, Nation Lanka Finance and Industrial Asphalts. Furthermore, foreigners closed as net buyers.

During the month, the ASPI and the S&P SL20 lost 3.8% and 3.6% respectively, whilst recording an average daily turnover of Rs. 3.44 Bn.

The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Sampath Bank, Hatton National Bank and Commercial Bank) whilst the sector index gained 0.97%. The share price of Sampath Bank increased by Rs 1.50 (1.24%) to close at Rs 122.50. The share price of Hatton National Bank gained Rs 6.25 (1.96%) to close at Rs 324.75. The share price of Commercial Bank moved up by Rs 2.50 (1.71%) to close at Rs 148.50.

Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Hemas Holdings and John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index edged up by 0.02%. The share price of Hemas Holdings recorded a gain of Rs 0.75 (0.64%) to close at Rs 118.25. The share price of John Keells Holdings declined by Rs 0.10 (0.47%) to close at Rs 21.30.