CSE closes positive though down for week

Saturday, 1 February 2020 03:14 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market yesterday ended on the up though marginally amidst low turnover.

The All Share Price Index was up 2 points and the S&P SL20 index was up 1 point. Turnover was Rs. 527 million, lower by 41% from Thursday. However during the week, the ASPI and the S&PSL20 lost 1.03% and 1.66%, respectively.

NDB Securities said the ASPI edged up as a result of price gains in counters such as Union Assurance, Sri Lanka Telecom, and Commercial Leasing and Finance.

High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Central Finance Company, John Keells Holdings, Nations Trust Bank, and Ceylon Tobacco Company.

Mixed interest was observed in Access Engineering and Commercial Bank whilst retail interest was noted in Hayleys Fibre.

Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net sellers. Total foreign sales accounted for 45.9%of the turnover.

Banks sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Commercial Bank and Nations Trust Bank) whilst the sector index lost 0.15%. The share price of Commercial Bank closed flat at Rs. 92. The share price of Nations Trust Bank closed flat at Rs. 78.

Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings and Access Engineering) whilst the sector index edged up by 0.10%. The share price of John Keells Holdings closed flat at Rs. 162.10.

The share price of Access Engineering recorded a gain of Rs. 0.60 (3%) to close at Rs. 20.60. Central Finance Company was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Central Finance Company closed flat at Rs. 105.