Week begins in red

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Ceylinco Holdings, Senkadagala Finance and Bukit Darah with the turnover crossing Rs. 4.4 Bn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Ceylon Tobacco Company, Hemas Holdings and Tokyo Cement Company. Mixed interest was observed in Laugfs Gas, Amana Bank and Browns Investments whilst retail interest was noted in LOLC Finance, Hela Apparel Holdings and HNB Finance. Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net sellers.
The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Amana Bank) whilst the sector index lost 0.34%. The share price of Amana Bank appreciated by Rs 2.70 (9.09%) to close at Rs 32.40.
Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Hemas Holdings) whilst the sector index edged up by 0.02%. The share price of Hemas Holdings moved up by Rs 0.40 (1.13%) to close at Rs 35.70.
Laugfs Gas, Ceylon Tobacco Company and Tokyo Cement Company were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Laugfs Gas closed flat at Rs 72.60. The share price of Ceylon Tobacco Company edged up by Rs 1.50 (0.09%) to close at Rs 1,700.00. The share price of Tokyo Cement Company recorded a loss of Rs 0.20 (0.22%) to close at Rs 91.30.