Indices edge up during the week

The ASPI edged down as a result of price losses in counters such as Cargills, Hemas Holdings and Teejay Lanka with the turnover crossing Rs. 1.5 Bn. Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 edged up. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in ACME Printing & Packaging, LB Finance and Chevron Lubricants. Mixed interest was observed in Ceylon Grain Elevators, Hatton National Bank and R I L Property whilst retail interest was noted in HNB Finance, Prime Lands Residencies and Sunshine Holdings. Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net buyers.

During the week, both the ASPI and S&P SL20 gained 0.4%, while recording an average turnover of LKR 1.98 Bn.

Materials sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to ACME Printing & Packaging and Swisstek) whilst the sector index edged down by 0.09%. The share price of ACME Printing & Packaging closed flat at Rs 4.80.

The share price of Swisstek appreciated by Rs 1.30 (2.51%) to close at Rs 53.00.

Food, Beverage & Tobacco sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Ceylon Grain Elevators) whilst the sector index increased by 0.16%. The share price of Ceylon Grain Elevators gained Rs 12.25 (6.06%) to close at Rs 214.25.

Hatton National Bank and R I L Property were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Hatton National Bank moved up by Rs 1.50 (0.51%) to close at Rs 295.25. The share price of R I L Property recorded a loss of Rs 0.10 (0.59%) to close at Rs 16.80.