Positive momentum continues

Indices closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Commercial Bank, Hatton National Bank and National Development Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 1.6 Bn. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in John Keells Holdings, CIC Holdings and Hatton National Bank. Mixed interest was observed in R I L Property, Sampath Bank and Hemas Holdings whilst retail interest was noted in Hela Apparel Holdings, LOLC Finance and LVL Energy Fund. Furthermore, foreigners closed as net sellers.

During the week, both the ASPI and S&P SL20 gained 0.1% and 0.7% respectively, while recording an average turnover of LKR 1.9 Bn.

Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index gained 0.65%. The share price of John Keells Holdings closed flat at Rs. 20.50. The Banking sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Sampath Bank and Hatton National Bank) whilst the sector index increased by 2.07%. The share price of Sampath Bank recorded a gain of Rs. 1.25 (1.04%) to close at Rs. 122.00. The share price of Hatton National Bank appreciated by Rs. 6.25 (2.02%) to close at Rs. 315.75.

R I L Property and CIC Holdings were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of R I L Property gained Rs. 0.70 (473%) to close at Rs. 15.50. The share price of CIC Holdings moved up by Rs. 4.00 (3.51%) to close at Rs. 118.00. Furthermore, Overseas Reality announced a first and final dividend of Rs. 1.35 per share.