CSE starts new week on a positive note

Tuesday, 3 March 2020 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo Bourse began a fresh week on a positive note though turnover was relatively low.

The All Share Price Index was up 0.38% and the S&P SL 20 Index was higher by 0.57% yesterday. Until Friday last week the ASPI’s year to date dip was 8.75% and the active S&P SL 20 was down 10.4%.

Acuity Stockbrokers said turnover decreased by 66% relative to last Friday to amount to Rs. 256 million while the crossings for the day accounted for 23.4% of the day’s total.

Foreign investors recorded a net outflow of Rs. 15.9 million compared to a net outflow of

Rs. 62.7 million on Friday.

NDB Securities said the ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as John Keells Holdings, Distilleries and LOLC Holdings.

High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Lion Brewery. Mixed interest was observed in Hatton National Bank, Sampath Bank and Expolanka Holdings while retail interest was noted in Browns Investments. The Banks sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Hatton National Bank and Sampath Bank) while the sector index gained 0.12%. The share price of Hatton National Bank lost Rs. 2.30 (1.56%) to close at Rs. 144.80. The share price of Sampath Bank moved down by Rs. 2.90 (1.82%) to close at Rs. 156.60.

The Food, Beverage and Tobacco sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Lion Brewery and Browns Investments) while the sector index decreased by 0.40%. The share price of Lion Brewery closed flat at Rs. 600. The share price of Browns Investments appreciated by Rs. 0.30 (7.14%) to close at Rs. 4.50

Expolanka Holdings was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Expolanka Holdings recorded a loss of Rs. 0.30 (7.89%) to close at Rs. 3.50.

Ceylinco Insurance announced its first and final dividend of Rs. 38.00 per share.