Indices close in red

Indices closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Sampath Bank, Hatton National Bank and Melstacorp with the turnover crossing Rs. 5.6 Bn. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Dialog Axiata, Hemas Holdings and Citizens Development Business Finance. Mixed interest was observed in Merchant Bank of Sri Lanka & Finance, People’s Merchant Finance and Panasian Power whilst retail interest was noted in SMB Leasing nonvoting, Tess Agro and Hikkaduwa Beach Resort. Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net sellers.

The Diversified Financials sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Merchant Bank of Sri Lanka & Finance and Citizens Development Business Finance) whilst the sector index edged up by 0.02%. The share price of Merchant Bank of Sri Lanka & Finance moved up by Rs 3.30 (25.00%) to close at Rs 16.50. The share price of Citizens Development Business Finance appreciated by Rs 5.00 (1.33%) to close at Rs 380.00.

The Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Hemas Holdings) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.48%. The share price of Hemas Holdings increased by Rs 1.10 (3.33%) to close at Rs 34.10.

Dialog Axiata and DFCC Bank were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Dialog Axiata gained Rs 0.30 (1.02%) to close at Rs 29.60. The share price of DFCC Bank recorded a loss of Rs 1.25 (0.80%) to close at Rs 155.25.