Indices close on a mixed note

The broader market closed in green whilst S&P SL20 closed in red with turnover crossing Rs 560 Mn. High net worth and institutional investor participation was witnessed in Hatton National Bank nonvoting. Mixed interest was observed in Overseas Realty whilst retail interest was noted in Ceylon Grain Elevators and Three Acre Farms. Meanwhile, foreigners remained active closing as net buyers. Total foreign purchases accounted for 45.6% of turnover.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Hatton National Bank nonvoting, Hatton National Bank and Commercial Bank) whilst the sector index lost 0.27%. The share price of Hatton National Bank nonvoting closed flat at Rs 175.00. The share price of Hatton National Bank closed flat at Rs 206.00. The share price of Commercial Bank recorded a loss of Rs 2.50 (1.89%) to close at Rs 129.50.

Manufacturing sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Ceylon Grain Elevators) whilst the sector index increased by 0.06%. The share price of Ceylon Grain Elevators increased by Rs 0.80 (1.00%) to close at Rs 81.00.

Softlogic Holdings was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Softlogic Holdings moved up by Rs 0.30 (2.07%) to close at Rs 14.80.

Furthermore, Bimputh Finance announced an interim dividend of Rs 1.50 per share whilst Union Chemicals Lanka announced a final dividend of Rs 9.00 per share.