Week commences on a positive note

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Ceylinco Holdings, Melstacorp and National Development Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 5.4 Bn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Ceylinco Holdings, LOLC Holdings and Melstacorp. Mixed interest was observed in First Capital Holdings, Hatton National Bank and Dialog Axiata whilst retail interest was noted in SMB Leasing nonvoting, LOLC Finance and Hela Apparel Holdings. Furthermore, foreigners closed as net buyers.

Insurance sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Ceylinco Holdings) whilst the sector index gained 3.56%. The share price of Ceylinco Holdings increased by Rs 235.25 (6.36%) to close at Rs 3,935.50.

Diversified Financials sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to First Capital Holdings and LOLC Holdings) whilst the sector index increased by 0.87%. The share price of First Capital Holdings gained Rs 3.10 (7.47%) to close at Rs 44.60.

The share price of LOLC Holdings recorded a gain of Rs 3.25 (0.47%) to close at Rs 694.00.

Hatton National Bank and Dialog Axiata were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Hatton National Bank moved up by Rs 2.25 (0.68%) to close at Rs 333.75. The share price of Dialog Axiata appreciated by Rs 0.40 (2.94%) to close at Rs 14.00.