Mixed day at CSE

The Colombo stock market had a mixed ending yesterday with All Share Price Index (ASPI) declining and the more active S&P SL 20 improving. 

ASPI was down by one point and S&P SL20 was up by nine points whilst turnover was Rs. 417 million.

NDB Securities said the ASPI edged down as a result of price losses in counters such as On’ally Holdings, Asiri Hospital Holdings and Commercial Leasing and Finance.

LOLC Securities said large caps such as HNB, DIST and JKH lifted the S&P SL 20 index. 

Cargills topped the turnover list while there were no crossings recorded for the day. During the day gainers surpassed losers 61 to 52.

NDB Equities said high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Cargills, Hemas Holdings and John Keells Holdings. Mixed interest was observed in Tokyo Cement Company nonvoting, Access Engineering and Union Bank whilst retail interest was noted in First Capital Holdings. 

Furthermore, foreigners closed as net sellers mainly due to foreign selling in Hemas Holdings.

Diversified sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Hemas Holdings, John Keells Holdings and Browns Investments) whilst the sector index edged down by 0.03%. 

The share price of Hemas Holdings lost 50 cents (0.68%) closing at Rs. 73.50 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 1,000,000 shares. The share price of John Keells Holdings moved up by 50 cents (0.32%) to close at Rs. 155.40. The share price of Browns Investments recorded a loss of ten cents (2.27%) to close at Rs. 4.30.

Beverage, Food and Tobacco sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Cargills) whilst the sector index edged up by 0.11%. The share price of Cargills closed flat at Rs 185.00 On’ally Holdings was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of On’ally Holdings declined by Rs 15.70 (41.32%) to close at Rs. 22.30.