ASPI loses 4.4% during the week

Indices closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Commercial Bank, Hayleys and Hatton National Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 5.2 Bn. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Melstacorp, Hemas Holdings and Access Engineering. Mixed interest was observed in ACL Cables, Hatton National Bank nonvoting and Commercial Bank whilst retail interest was noted in SMB Leasing, Cargills Bank Rights and Softlogic Finance. 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 lost 4.4% and 4.3% respectively, whilst recording an average daily turnover of Rs. 4.80 Bn.

Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to ACL Cables, Hemas Holdings and Access Engineering) whilst the sector index lost 1.01%. The share price of ACL Cables decreased by Rs 2.40 (2.54%) to close at Rs 92.00. The share price of Hemas Holdings lost Rs 0.80 (2.56%) to close at Rs 30.50. The share price of Access Engineering recorded a loss of Rs 1.10 (1.51%) to close at Rs 71.90.

The Banking sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Hatton National Bank nonvoting) whilst the sector index decreased by 1.36%. The share price of Hatton National Bank nonvoting declined by Rs 10.00 (2.79%) to close at Rs 348.75.

Melstacorp was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Melstacorp moved down by Rs 1.75 (1.05%) to close at Rs 165.00.