Dec begins in red

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as CAL 5-year Closed-End Fund, Industrial Asphalts and Kandy Hotels Company with the turnover crossing Rs. 5.2 Bn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Access Engineering, Hatton National Bank and Hemas Holdings. Mixed interest was observed in Sampath Bank, Commercial Bank and Tokyo Cement Company whilst retail interest was noted in SMB Leasing, Hikkaduwa Beach Resort and Waskaduwa Beach Resort. 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 Access Engineering and John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index lost 1.72%. The share price of Access Engineering increased by Rs 2.40 (3.35%) to close at Rs 74.00. The share price of John Keells Holdings declined by Rs 0.30 (1.36%) to close at Rs 21.80.
The Banking sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Hatton National Bank, Sampath Bank and Commercial Bank) whilst the sector index decreased by 3.56%. The share price of Hatton National Bank lost Rs 9.25 (2.29%) to close at Rs 395.50. The share price of Sampath Bank moved down by Rs 5.75 (3.95%) to close at Rs 140.00. The share price of Commercial Bank recorded a loss of Rs 7.75 (3.73%) to close at Rs 200.25.