ASPI drops by 1.5% during the day

Indices closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Commercial Bank, National Development Bank and Melstacorp with the turnover crossing Rs 1.0 Bn.
High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in John Keells Holdings, Distilleries and Hayleys.

Mixed interest was observed in Capital Alliance, Lanka IOC and Expolanka Holdings whilst retail interest was noted in UB Finance Company, Browns Investments and LOLC Finance. Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net buyers. Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings and Hayleys) whilst the sector index lost 1.32%. The share price of John Keells Holdings lost Rs 2.25 (1.18%) to close at Rs 188.25.

The share price of Hayleys moved down by Rs 1.50 (1.68%) to close at Rs 88.00. Diversified Financials sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Capital Alliance) whilst the sector index decreased by 1.83%. The share price of Capital Alliance decreased by Rs 4.40 (6.55%) to close at Rs 62.80.
Lanka IOC and Expolanka Holdings were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Lanka IOC recorded a loss of Rs 4.00 (3.57%) to close at Rs 108.00. The share price of Expolanka Holdings declined by Rs 5.00 (3.85%) to close at Rs 125.00.