Foreign buying continues

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Ceylinco Holdings, John Keells Holdings and Hatton National Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 1.6 Bn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Hatton National Bank, Vallibel One and Richard Pieris & Company.

Mixed interest was observed in Ceylon Cold Stores, Commercial Bank and Sampath Bank whilst retail interest was noted in Nation Lanka Finance, Hela Apparel Holdings and John Keells Holdings. 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, Commercial Bank and Sampath Bank) whilst the sector index lost 0.50%. The share price of Hatton National Bank decreased by Rs 3.00 (0.95%) to close at Rs 312.00. The share price of Commercial Bank recorded a gain of Rs 0.50 (0.34%) to close at Rs 147.00. The share price of Sampath Bank declined by Rs 0.50 (0.41%) to close at Rs 121.25.

The Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Vallibel One) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.52%. The share price of Vallibel One closed flat at Rs 58.00.

Ceylon Cold Stores was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Ceylon Cold Stores gained Rs 1.30 (1.60%) to close at Rs 82.50.