Indices closed in red

Indices closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Sampath Bank, Hatton National Bank and John Keells Holdings with the turnover crossing Rs. 6.4 Bn. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Tokyo Cement Company nonvoting, Hatton National Bank and Mercantile Investments & Finance. Mixed interest was observed in Housing Development Finance Corporation, DFCC Bank and Hatton National Bank nonvoting whilst retail interest was noted in Industrial Asphalts, SMB Leasing and Ceylon Tea Brokers. Furthermore, foreigners closed as net sellers.

The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Housing Development Finance Corporation, Hatton National Bank nonvoting, DFCC Bank and Hatton National Bank) whilst the sector index lost 1.54%. The share price of Housing Development Finance Corporation gained Rs 14.90 (24.51%) to close at Rs 75.70. The share price of Hatton National Bank nonvoting moved down by Rs 1.25 (0.37%) to close at Rs 333.50. The share price of DFCC Bank recorded a loss of Rs 2.25 (1.32%) to close at Rs 168.25. The share price of Hatton National Bank declined by Rs 8.75 (2.04%) to close at Rs 420.00.

Materials sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Tokyo Cement Company nonvoting) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.60%. The share price of Tokyo Cement Company nonvoting decreased by Rs 0.50 (0.65%) to close at Rs 75.90.