March begins in red

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Hatton National Bank, Melstacorp and Bukit Darah with the turnover crossing Rs. 1.5 Bn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Hemas Holdings, John Keells Holdings and NationalDevelopment Bank. Mixed interest was observed in Hatton National Bank, Sampath Bank and Browns Investments whilst retail interest was noted in Nation Lanka Finance, Waskaduwa Beach Resort and Co-Operative Insurance Company. 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 National Development Bank, Hatton National Bank and Sampath Bank) whilst the sector index lost 2.20%. The share price of National Development Bank lost Rs. 4.00 (3.40%) to close at Rs. 113.50. The share price of Hatton National Bank moved down by Rs. 9.00 (2.77%) to close at Rs. 315.75. The share price of Sampath Bank declined by Rs. 1.75 (1.43%) to close at Rs. 120.75.

Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Hemas Holdings and John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index decreased by 1.54%. The share price of Hemas Holdings decreased by Rs. 2.50 (2.11%) to close at Rs. 115.75. The share price of John Keells Holdings recorded a loss of Rs. 0.20 (0.94%) to close at Rs. 21.10.