Indices closed on a mixed note

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Melstacorp, People’s Insurance and Carson Cumberbatch with the turnover crossing Rs. 4.4 Bn. Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 edged down. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in E B Creasy & Company, National Development Bank and The Colombo Fort Land & Building. Mixed interest was observed in CIC Holdings nonvoting, CIC Holdings and John Keells Holdings whilst retail interest was noted in Lanka Credit and Business Finance, Hela Apparel Holdings and Softlogic Capital. Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net buyers.

The Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to E B Creasy & Company and John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index edged up by 0.11%. The share price of E B Creasy & Company gained Rs 1.90 (3.17%) to close at Rs 61.80. The share price of John Keells Holdings closed flat at Rs 23.50. The Materials sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to CIC Holdings nonvoting and CIC Holdings) whilst the sector index increased by 1.99%. The share price of CIC Holdings nonvoting increased by Rs 7.85 (8.02%) to close at Rs 105.75. The share price of CIC Holdings moved up by Rs 9.25 (6.94%) to close at Rs 142.50. National Development Bank was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of National Development Bank declined by Rs 0.75 (0.53%) to close at Rs 140.75.