Indices continue to close in green

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Hayleys, Ceylon Tobacco Company and Hatton National Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 5.8 Bn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in LB Finance, Chevron Lubricants and Vallibel Finance. Mixed interest was observed in John Keells Holdings, Pan Asia Banking Corporation and HNB Finance whilst retail interest was noted in Co-Operative Insurance Company, Browns Investments and LOLC Finance. Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net sellers.

The Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index gained 1.98%. The share price of John Keells Holdings increased by Rs 0.30 (1.38%) to close at Rs 22.00.

The Diversified Financials sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to HNB Finance) whilst the sector index increased by 2.13%. The share price of HNB Finance moved up by Rs 0.90 (15.79%) to close at Rs 6.60.

Pan Asia Banking Corporation, LVL Energy Fund Limited and Dipped Products were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Pan Asia Banking Corporation gained Rs 1.30 (3.02%) to close at Rs 44.40. The share price of LVL Energy Fund Limited recorded a gain of Rs 0.70 (8.86%) to close at Rs 8.60. The share price of Dipped Products appreciated by Rs 4.10 (7.44%) to close at Rs 59.20.