Indices close on a mixed note

The ASPI edged up as a result of price gains in counters such as Senkadagala Finance, Sunshine Holdings and Colombo Dockyard with the turnover crossing Rs. 4.4 bn. 

Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 edged down. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Aitken Spence, Dipped Products and Commercial Bank. Mixed interest was observed in Sunshine Holdings, Colombo Dockyard and Renuka Agri Foods whilst retail interest was noted in Waskaduwa Beach Resort, SMB Leasing and UB Finance Company. 

Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net sellers. The Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Aitken Spence and Colombo Dockyard) whilst the sector index gained 0.37%. The share price of Aitken Spence increased by Rs. 6.25 (3.83%) to close at Rs. 169.25. The share price of Colombo Dockyard moved up by Rs. 55.00 (15.71%) to close at Rs. 405.00. 

Food, Beverage & Tobacco sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Sunshine Holdings and Renuka Agri Foods) whilst the sector index increased by 0.33%. The share price of Sunshine Holdings gained Rs. 3.60 (10.68%) to close at Rs. 37.30. 

The share price of Renuka Agri Foods recorded a gain of Rs. 0.30 (5.45%) to close at Rs. 5.80. Commercial Bank was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Commercial Bank appreciated by Rs. 0.50 (0.24%) to close at Rs. 207.75.