Week begins in green

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as C T Holdings, Cargills and Ceylinco Holdings with the turnover crossing Rs. 3.1 Bn. Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 edged down. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Hatton National Bank nonvoting, Melstacorp and Lanka Tiles. Mixed interest was observed in Prime Lands Residencies, Commercial Bank and Hatton National Bank whilst retail interest was noted in Beruwala Resorts, Ceylon Land & Equity and Hela Apparel Holdings. 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 Commercial Bank, Hatton National Bank and Hatton National Bank nonvoting) whilst the sector index gained 0.13%. The share price of Commercial Bank gained Rs 0.25 (0.14%) to close at Rs 173.75. The share price of Hatton National Bank moved up by Rs 2.00 (0.53%) to close at Rs 377.25. The share price of Hatton National Bank nonvoting closed flat at Rs 298.75.

Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.48%. The share price of John Keells Holdings declined by Rs 0.10 (0.43%) to close at Rs 23.40.

Prime Lands Residencies was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Prime Lands Residencies increased by Rs 0.10 (0.52%) to close at Rs 19.50.