Indices close on a negative note

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Hatton National Bank, Central Finance Company and Hemas Holdings with the turnover crossing Rs. 4.5 bn.

A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. 

High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Nation Lanka Finance, Amana Bank and John Keells Holdings. 

Mixed interest was observed in Browns Investments, Sampath Bank and Digital Mobility Solutions Lanka whilst retail interest was noted in Industrial Asphalts, LOLC Finance and Prime Lands Residencies. Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net sellers. 

The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Sampath Bank) whilst the sector index edged down by 0.04%. The share price of Sampath Bank closed flat at Rs. 114.00. 

The Diversified Financials sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to LOLC Holdings and Nation Lanka Finance) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.69%. The share price of LOLC Holdings moved down by Rs. 6.50 (0.96%) to close at Rs. 671.75. The share price of Nation Lanka Finance closed flat at Rs. 0.30. John Keells Holdings and Browns Investments were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of John Keells Holdings closed flat at Rs. 23.90. The share price of Browns Investments lost Rs. 0.10 (1.25%) to close at Rs. 7.90.