Indices close in red

Indices closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as John Keells Holdings, Access Engineering and Commercial Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 3.9 bn. 

High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in John Keells Holdings, Nations Trust Bank and Commercial Bank. 

Mixed interest was observed in Hatton National Bank, Softlogic Capital and Sampath Bank whilst retail interest was noted in Ceylon Land & Equity Rights, HVA Foods and Browns Investments. 

Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net sellers. Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index lost 3.52%. The share price of John Keells Holdings decreased by Rs. 0.70 (3.74%) to close at Rs. 18.00. 

The Banking sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Commercial Bank, Nations Trust Bank and Hatton National Bank) whilst the sector index decreased by 1.43%. The share price of Commercial Bank lost Rs. 2.75 (1.42%) to close at Rs. 190.25. 

The share price of Nations Trust Bank moved down by Rs. 7.50 (2.66%) to close at Rs. 274.25. The share price of Hatton National Bank recorded a loss of Rs 3.25 (0.82%) to close at Rs. 392.00. Softlogic Capital was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Softlogic Capital declined by Rs. 0.30 (2.22%) to close at Rs. 13.20.