Week ends on a mixed note

The ASPI edged up as a result of price gains in counters such as The Colombo Fort Land & Building, Vallibel One and Melstacorp with the turnover crossing Rs. 3.2 bn. Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 edged down. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in John Keells Holdings, Prime Lands Resdencies and Hemas Holdings. 

Mixed interest was observed in Galle Face Capital Partners, Lankem Developments and Ceylon Land & Equity whilst retail interest was noted in SMB Leasing nonvoting, Asia Siyaka Commodities and LOLC Finance. 

Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net buyers. During the week, the ASPI and the S&P SL20 lost 0.4% and 1.2% respectively, whilst recording an average daily turnover of Rs. 3.89 bn. The Diversified Financials sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Galle Face Capital Partners) whilst the sector index gained 0.28%. The share price of Galle Face Capital Partners moved up by Rs. 3.40 (4.99%) to close at Rs. 71.50. 

The Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings and Hemas Holdings) whilst the sector index edged down by 0.01%. The share price of John Keells Holdings closed flat at Rs. 23.50. The share price of Hemas Holdings recorded a loss of Rs. 0.20 (0.65%) to close at Rs. 30.80. 

Prime Lands Residencies and Lankem Developments were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Prime Lands Residencies gained Rs. 0.50 (2.65%) to close at Rs. 19.40. The share price of Lankem Developments appreciated by Rs. 1.30 (5.24%) to close at Rs. 26.10.