Bourse edges down

Saturday, 3 August 2013 00:37 -     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

REUTERS: Shares edged down slightly on Friday from a six-week high hit in the previous session, as investors sold banking and finance stocks on a day of light trading. Analysts said investors waited for direction despite the Central Bank’s policy easing, concerns over the weakening rupee and high lending rates denting sentiment. The main share index ended 0.01%, or 0.78 points, weaker at 6,155.82, slipping from a six-week closing high on Thursday. Shares in Commercial Leasing and Finance PLC fell 4.88% to Rs. 3.90, while Hatton National Bank PLC dropped 2% to Rs. 151.80. Turnover was Rs. 399.4 million, well below this year’s daily average of about Rs. 937.4 million. Foreign investors were net buyers for the first time in four sessions, with Rs. 120.6 million ($ 916,100) of shares. Net foreign inflows in equities extended to Rs. 15.98 billion for the year.

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