Indices close in red

Indices closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Commercial Bank, Hatton National Bank and Sampath Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 6.5 Bn. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Diesel & Motor Engineering,

John Keells Holdings and Teejay Lanka. Mixed interest was observed in Sampath Bank, Hatton National Bank and Commercial Bank whilst retail interest was noted in RIL Property, LOLC Finance and Raigam Wayamba Salterns. 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 Sampath Bank, Hatton National Bank and Commercial Bank) whilst the sector index lost 6.81%. The share price of Sampath Bank moved down by Rs. 6.50 (5.95%) to close at Rs. 102.75. The share price of Hatton National Bank recorded a loss of Rs. 23.25 (7.96%) to close at Rs. 269.00. The share price of Commercial Bank declined by Rs. 11.50 (8.58%) to close at Rs. 122.50.

Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index decreased by 4.63%. The share price of John Keells Holdings lost Rs. 0.90 (4.59%) to close at Rs. 18.70.

Diesel & Motor Engineering was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Diesel & Motor Engineering decreased by Rs. 13.25 (1.37%) to close at Rs. 956.75.