Foreign buying continues

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as LOLC Holdings, John Keells Holdings and Ceylon Tobacco Company with the turnover crossing Rs. 3.3 bn.

A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Central Finance Company, People’s Leasing & Finance and Commercial Bank. 

Mixed interest was observed in Hatton National Bank, Sampath Bank and Lanka IOC whilst retail interest was noted in Browns Investments, Nation Lanka Finance and Industrial Asphalts. 

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 Commercial Bank, Hatton National Bank and Sampath Bank) whilst the sector index lost 1.43%. 

The share price of Commercial Bank decreased by Rs 1.75 (1.16%) to close at Rs. 149.75. The share price of Hatton National Bank lost Rs. 2.50 (0.79%) to close at Rs. 315.00. 

The share price of Sampath Bank moved down by Rs. 1.00 (0.83%) to close at Rs. 119.00. The Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market