Bourse turnover tops Rs.5 billion

Tuesday, 11 January 2011 00:23 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

THE Colombo stock market’s turnover yesterday topped the Rs. 5 billion mark, highest in one month as retailers and institutional investors stepped up buying though later on some profit taking was evident.

The benchmark ASPI gained 0.36 percent or 24.89 points to 6,916.85, its highest close since 5 October, and has gained 4.6 percent in the last seven sessions.

Colombo has been Asia's best performer with 4.2 percent gain so far in 2011 after being the top performer last year with a 96 percent gain.

“ASPI gained with renewed institutional participation on banking and investment trusts sectors. Interest witnessed in poultry and plantations during last week was subdued. LGL continued to attract retail investors,” NDB Stockbrokers said.

Bank, Finance & Insurance and Investment Trusts sectors were the highest contributors to the market turnover while both indices increased by 0.59% and 3.20% respectively.

Laugfs Gas made the highest contribution to the market turnover while the share price increased by Rs. 5.40 (14.75%) and closed at Rs. 43.

Sampath Bank also contributed to the market turnover with three crossings (1,000,000 shares at Rs. 300 and 100,000 shares at Rs. 295). The share price increased by Rs. 4.10 (1.41%) and closed at Rs. 295.

Crossings were also recorded for 1,310,000 shares of Ceylon Investment at Rs. 130, 2,500,000 shares (1,000,000 shares at Rs. 71.50 and 1,500,000 shares at Rs. 70) of Renuka holdings, 173,000 shares of John Keells Holdings at Rs. 295; 6,000,000 shares of Dialog Axiata at Rs. 11.90 and 150,000 shares of Commercial Bank at Rs. 279.50.

Meanwhile Sri Lanka's rupee <LKR=> edged up to 110.82/85 a dollar from Friday's 110.85/88, as exporter dollar sales outweighed importer demand, currency dealers said.

Price band on Laugfs Non-voting, Citrus warrant

IN terms of the Directive given by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), a 10% price band has been imposed on Citrus Leisure - Warrants (REEF.W19) and Laugfs Gas – Non-voting (LGL-X) with effect from 11 January 2011 to 1 February 2011 (both days inclusive).