Aug ends with a monthly gain of 7%

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Ceylinco Holdings, Dialog Axiata and Senkadagala Finance with the turnover crossing Rs. 7.3 Bn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Hatton National Bank, John Keells Hotels and Sunshine Holdings. Mixed interest was observed in LVL Energy Fund, Prime Lands Residencies and JAT Holdings whilst retail interest was noted in Muller & Phipps, Tess Agro and Luminex. Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net buyers.

During the month, the ASPI and the S&P SL20 gained 6.9% and 5.5% respectively, whilst recording an average daily turnover of Rs. 6.60 Bn.

The Consumer Services sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Hotels) whilst the sector index gained 2.33%. The share price of John Keells Hotels moved up by Rs 1.00 (4.17%) to close at Rs 25.00. The Diversified Financials sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover whilst the sector index increased by 1.16%.

LVL Energy Fund Limited, Prime Lands Residencies, Hatton National Bank and Sunshine Holdings were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of LVL Energy Fund Limited increased by Rs 0.50 (4.50%) to close at Rs 11.60. The share price of Prime Lands Residencies gained Rs 3.50 (16.28%) to close at Rs 25.00. The share price of Hatton National Bank closed flat at Rs 399.50. The share price of Sunshine Holdings closed flat at Rs 30.50.