Mixed day at CSE

The Colombo stock market yesterday experienced mixed fortunes with the two indices moving in opposite directions. 

The All Share Price Index declined by 28 points whilst the S&P SL 20 inched up by over 5 points. Turnover was Rs. 427.4 million but above Thursday's Rs. 262 million.

NDB Securities said the ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Ceylon Tobacco Company, Nestle Lanka, and Trans Asia Hotels.

High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in John Keells Holdings and Sanasa Development Bank. Mixed interest was observed in Commercial Bank and Sampath Bank whilst retail interest was noted in Access Engineering. Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net sellers.

During the week, the ASPI and the S&P SL20 lost 1.91% and 2.19%, respectively, whilst recording an average daily turnover of Rs. 443 million.

Banks sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Commercial Bank, Sampath Bank, Sanasa Development Bank, and Hatton National Bank) whilst the sector index edged down by 0.02%. The share price of Commercial Bank lost Rs. 1.70 (1.95%) to close at Rs. 85.50. 

The share price of Sampath Bank moved up by Rs. 6.30 (3.92%) to close at Rs. 166.90. The share price of Sanasa Development Bank closed flat at Rs. 57. The share price of Hatton National Bank declined by Rs. 0.50 (0.32%) to close at Rs. 156.50.

Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.36%. The share price of John Keells Holdings decreased by Rs. 1 (0.64%) to close at Rs. 155.

Furthermore, Sampath Bank and Dialog Axiata announced their first and final dividends of Rs. 11.75 and Rs. 0.53 per share, respectively.