Week begins with foreign buying

The ASPI edged down as a result of price losses in counters such as Hayleys, Lion Brewery and John Keells Holdings with the turnover crossing Rs. 1.1 Bn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in DFCC Bank, Lanka IOC and Hatton National Bank. Mixed interest was observed in Sampath Bank, Commercial Credit & Finance and Sunshine Holdings whilst retail interest was noted in Co-Operative Insurance Company , Hela Apparel Holdings and LOLC Finance. Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net buyers.

The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Sampath Bank and Hatton National Bank) whilst the sector index lost 0.17%. The share price of Sampath Bank increased by Rs 0.25 (0.23%) to close at Rs 111.00. The share price of Hatton National Bank closed flat at Rs 299.00.

The Diversified Financials sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Commercial Credit & Finance) whilst the sector index increased by 0.73%. The share price of Commercial Credit & Finance gained Rs 1.60 (2.46%) to close at Rs 66.60.

Lanka IOC and Sunshine Holdings were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Lanka IOC moved up by Rs 5.00 (3.97%) to close at Rs131.00. The share price of Sunshine Holdings declined by Rs 0.10 (0.45%) to close at Rs 21.90.