Crossings boost turnover

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as AIA Insurance, Brac Lanka Finance and The Lanka Hospital Corporation with turnover crossing Rs 3.3 Bn for the day. Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 edged down. Crossings were traded in Nations Trust Bank, Lanka Orix Leasing Company, Melstacorp and Serendib Land, accounting for 78.4% of turnover. Mixed interest was observed in Janashakthi Insurance Company whilst retail interest was noted in Softlogic Holdings. Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net sellers.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Nations Trust Bank, Lanka Orix Leasing Company, Janashakthi Insurance Company and Citizens Development Business Finance) whilst the sector index lost 0.29%. The share price of Nations Trust Bank closed flat at Rs 79.00. The share price of Lanka Orix Leasing Company gained Rs 0.30 (0.25%) to close at Rs 118.30. The share price of Janashakthi Insurance Company recorded a gain of Rs 1.10 (3.53%) to close at Rs 32.30. The share price of Citizens Development Business Finance increased by Rs 0.70 (0.97%) to close at Rs 72.70.

Diversified sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Melstacorp) whilst the sector index edged down by 0.06%. The share price of Melstacorp moved up by Rs 1.10 (1.60%) to close at Rs 70.00.

Furthermore, The Lanka Hospital Corporation announced its interim dividend of Rs 1.00 per share.