ASPI gains 7.4% during the month

The ASPI edged up as a result of price gains in counters such as Central Finance Company, The Colombo Fort Land & Building and Ambeon Holdings with the turnover crossing Rs. 5.1 Bn. Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 closed in red. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in John Keells Holdings, Access Engineering and Seylan Bank nonvoting. Mixed interest was observed in Access Engineering, Teejay Lanka and Browns Investments whilst retail interest was noted in Hela Apparel Holdings, Softlogic Holdings and Nation Lanka Finance. Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net sellers.
During the month, the ASPI and the S&P SL20 gained 7.4% and 5.2% respectively, whilst recording an average daily turnover of Rs. 7.02 Bn.

The Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Access Engineering and John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index edged up by 0.05%.
The share price of Access Engineering decreased by Rs 1.20 (2.86%) to close at Rs 40.80. The share price of John Keells Holdings closed flat at Rs 22.70.
The Banking sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Commercial Bank and Hatton National Bank) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.27%.
The share price of Commercial Bank gained Rs 0.50 (0.34%) to close at Rs 148.50. The share price of Hatton National Bank declined by Rs 2.50 (0.71%) to close at Rs 349.75. Teejay Lanka was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Teejay Lanka moved up by Rs 2.00 (3.82%) to close at Rs 54.30.