Stocks down amidst foreign selling

The Bourse ended on a negative note today as the ASPI decreased by 1.14% or 66.37 points to close at 5,730.93 points, while the S&P SL20 Index also decreased by 1.44% or 39.91 points to close at 2,731.39, brokers said yesterday. 

Market Turnover increased by -39.5% relative to Monday to amount to Rs. 0.59 billion while the crossings for the day accounted for 35.1% of the day’s total turnover.

Foreign Investors meanwhile, recorded a net outflow of Rs. 97.0 million over the day compared to a net

inflow of Rs 3.8 million recorded on Monday, Acuity brokers said. 

A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Ceylon Cold Stores, John Keells Holdings, Sampath Bank and Aitken Spence, NDB Securities said.  

Mixed interest was observed in Browns Investments, Seylan Bank and Tokyo Cement Company whilst retail interest was noted in Lanka Tiles, Chevron Lubricants and Seylan Bank nonvoting. Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net sellers.

Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings and Aitken Spence) whilst the sector index lost 1.91%. The share price of John Keells Holdings lost Rs 2.70 (1.77%) to close at Rs 149.90. 

The share price of Aitken Spence recorded a loss of Rs 1.50 (3.57%) to close at Rs 40.50.

Food, Beverage & Tobacco sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Ceylon Cold Stores and Browns Investments) whilst the sector index decreased by 1.05%. The share price of Ceylon Cold Stores closed flat at Rs 790.00. The share price of Browns Investments declined by Rs 0.20 (4.08%) to close at Rs 4.70. 

Sampath Bank was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Sampath Bank moved down by Rs 2.50 (1.51%) to close at Rs 163.00.

Furthermore, Keells Food Products announced an interim dividend of Rs. 4.00 per share.