Week begins in red

Indices closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Hatton National Bank, National Development Bank and Commercial Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 2.1 Bn. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings, Sampath Bank and First Capital Holdings. Mixed interest was observed in Hatton National Bank, Browns Investments and John Keells Holdings whilst retail interest was noted in Hela Apparel Holdings, LVL Energy Fund and Marawila Resorts. 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 Hatton National Bank and Sampath Bank) whilst the sector index lost 1.49%. The share price of Hatton National Bank decreased by Rs 6.00 (1.80%) to close at Rs 327.50. The share price of Sampath Bank lost Rs 0.50 (0.41%) to close at Rs 121.75.

The Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover whilst the sector index decreased by 1.06%.

Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings, Browns Investments and First Capital Holdings were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings moved down by Rs 0.10 (0.12%) to close at Rs 82.90. The share price of Browns Investments recorded a loss of Rs 0.20 (2.41%) to close at Rs 8.10. The share price of First Capital Holdings appreciated by Rs 0.30 (0.66%) to close at Rs 45.80.