Week ends with ASPI surpassing the 22,000 mark

Indices closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Melstacorp, Sampath Bank and Dipped Products with the turnover crossing Rs. 9.7 Bn. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Lanka Credit and Business Finance, DFCC Bank and Commercial Bank. Mixed interest was observed in Co-Operative Insurance Company, UB Finance Company and John Keells Holdings whilst retail interest was noted in Dipped Products, Capital Alliance Holdings and Browns Investments. Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net sellers.

During the week the ASPI and the S&P SL20 gained 2.30% and 1.24% respectively whilst recording an average daily turnover of Rs. 6.66 Bn.

The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Commercial Bank and Pan Asia Banking Corporation) whilst the sector index gained 0.92%. The share price of Commercial Bank gained Rs 1.50 (0.78%) to close at Rs 194.75. The share price of Pan Asia Banking Corporation appreciated by Rs 2.20 (3.38%) to close at Rs 67.20.

Diversified Financials sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Lanka Credit and Business Finance Limited) whilst the sector index increased by 0.16%. The share price of Lanka Credit and Business Finance Limited increased by Rs 1.30 (19.70%) to close at Rs 7.90.

C T Holdings and Dipped Products were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of C T Holdings moved down by Rs 19.50 (2.90%) to close at Rs 652.50. The share price of Dipped Products recorded a gain of Rs 5.20 (7.90%) to close at Rs 71.00.