Crossings boost turnover

The ASPI closed in green due to price gains in counters such as Distilleries, Lion Brewery and Lanka Orix Leasing Company with turnover crossing Rs 971 Mn. Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 closed in red. Crossings were traded in John Keells Holdings, Melstacorp and Hemas Holdings, accounting for 58.3% of turnover. Mixed interest was observed in Hatton National Bank and Sampath Bank whilst retail interest was noted in Browns Investment. Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net sellers. Total foreign sales accounted for 61.5% of turnover.

During the week, the ASPI and the S&P SL20 lost 0.15% and 0.52% respectivelywhilst the average daily turnover for the week was recorded at Rs 624 Mn.

Diversified sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings, Melstacorp and Hemas Holdings) whilst the sector index lost 0.20%. The share price of John Keells Holdings edged down by Rs 0.10 (0.06%) to close at Rs 164.50. The share price of Melstacorp lost Rs 0.40 (0.68%) to close at Rs 58.10. The share price of Hemas Holdings closed flat at Rs 125.00.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Sampath Bank and Hatton National Bank) whilst the sector index edged up by 0.11%. The share price of Sampath Bank moved up by Rs 2.19 (0.73%) to close at Rs 301.90. The share price of Hatton National Bank closed flat at Rs 241.00.

Furthermore, Chevron Lubricants Lanka announced an interim dividend of Rs 2.25 per share.