Indices close in red

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Melstacorp, Colombo Dockyard and Carson Cumberbatch with the turnover crossing Rs. 4.3Bn. Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 edged down. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Distilleries, Singer Sri Lank and Commercial Bank. Mixed interest was observed in Lanka Credit and Business Finance, Softlogic Capital and Softlogic Holdings whilst retail interest was noted in Cargills Bank Rights, Co-Operative Insurance Company and SMB Leasing. Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net sellers.

Diversified Financials sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Lanka Credit and Business Finance Limited, Softlogic Capital, Softlogic Finance and HNB Finance) whilst the sector index gained 0.28%. The share price of Lanka Credit and Business Finance Limited gained Rs 0.50 (5.68%) to close at Rs 9.30. The share price of Softlogic Capital moved down by Rs 0.30 (2.24%) to close at Rs 13.10. The share price of Softlogic Finance recorded a gain of Rs 0.40 (5.63%) to close at Rs 7.50. The share price of HNB Finance appreciated by Rs 0.40 (4.00%) to close at Rs 10.40.

Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Softlogic Holdings) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.20%. The share price of Softlogic Holdings increased by Rs 0.60 (5.66%) to close at Rs 11.20.