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Sunday Dec 15, 2024
Wednesday, 31 March 2021 01:03 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
A strategic deal on Piramal Ceylon Glass Plc boosted turnover at the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) but it failed to shine on investor sentiment as both indices dipped.
The All Share Price Index (ASPI) shed over 12 points or 0.18% and the S&PSL20 was down marginally by two points. Turnover was Rs. 7.44 billion.
First Capital said the CSE reverted the direction back to negative territory, posting a near two-month high turnover on the back of GLAS.
“The index experienced a spike within the first few minutes of trading, reaching its intraday high of 7,155. Thereafter market witnessed a bumpy downtrend followed by a sideways movement within the final hour of trading and closed at 7,115, losing 13 points,” First Capital said.
It said the Materials sector dominated the Rs. 7 billion plus turnover with a contribution of 89% aided by GLAS. Parcel trades in GLAS, HAYL and KHC boosted turnover for the session amounting to 84%.
NDB Equities said the ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Browns Investments, Expolanka Holdings and Brown & Company.
Crossings were witnessed in Piramal Glass, accounting for 84.2% of the turnover.
It said mixed interest was observed in Hatton National Bank, Commercial Bank and John Keells Holdings, whilst retail interest was noted in Hatton National Bank non-voting, Expolanka Holdings and Sampath Bank. The Materials sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Piramal Glass), whilst the sector index lost 0.15%. The share price of Piramal Glass increased by Rs. 0.60 (5.77%) to close at Rs. 11.
The Banking sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Commercial Bank, Sampath Bank and Hatton National Bank), whilst the sector index decreased by 0.20%. The share price of Commercial Bank moved down by Rs. 0.60 (0.66%) to close at Rs. 90.20.
The share price of Sampath Bank recorded a loss of Rs. 0.20 (0.35%) to close at Rs. 56.60. The share price of Hatton National Bank appreciated by Rs. 1.25 (0.97%) to close at Rs. 130.50.
John Keells Holdings was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of John Keells Holdings gained Rs. 0.50 (0.33%) to close at Rs. 150.
Separately Union Assurance announced a first and final dividend of Rs. 14 per share.
