Week begins in red

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Melstacorp, Bukit Darah and Hayleys with the turnover crossing Rs. 2.6 Bn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in John Keells Holdings, ACL Cables and Commercial Bank. Mixed interest was observed in Hatton National Bank, Haycarb and Colombo Dockyard whilst retail interest was noted in Hela Apparel Holdings, ACME Printing & Packaging and Citrus Leisure. Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net sellers. Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings and ACL 

Cables) whilst the sector index lost 1.02%. The share price of John Keells Holdings decreased by Rs 0.20 (1.00%) to close at Rs 19.80. The share price of ACL Cables lost Rs 2.20 (2.27%) to close at Rs 94.60. The Banking sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Hatton National Bank and Commercial Bank) whilst the sector index decreased by

0.61%. The share price of Hatton National Bank moved up by Rs 0.75 (0.19%) to close at Rs 392.00. The share price of Commercial Bank recorded a loss of Rs 0.50 (0.25%) to close at Rs 201.75. Haycarb was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Haycarb appreciated by Rs 0.25 (0.17%) to close at Rs 144.25.