Week begins with foreign buying

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as John Keells Holdings, C T Holdings and Senkadagala Finance with the turnover crossing Rs. 8.0 Bn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20.

High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Commercial Bank, John Keells Holdings and C T Holdings. Mixed interest was observed in Sierra Cables, Access Engineering and Vallibel One whilst retail interest was noted in Browns Investments, SMB Leasing and UB Finance Company. Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net buyers.

The Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Sierra Cables, John Keells Holdings, Access Engineering and Vallibel One) whilst the sector index gained 1.48%. The share price of Sierra Cables decreased by Rs 5.00 (14.53%) to close at Rs 29.40. The share price of John Keells Holdings moved up by Rs 0.60 (2.63%) to close at Rs 23.40. The share price of Access Engineering recorded a gain of Rs 1.10 (1.80%) to close at Rs 62.10. The share price of Vallibel One appreciated by Rs 5.70 (6.26%) to close at Rs 96.80.

The Banking sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Commercial Bank) whilst the sector index increased by 1.10%. The share price of Commercial Bank gained Rs 3.00 (1.58%) to close at Rs193.25.