Indices close flat at Bourse

The Colombo Bourse ended yesterday flat with the broad market index, the All Share Price Index (ASPI) gaining a trivial 0.01% (0.46 points) whilst the Milanka Price Index (MPI) witnessed a even smaller percentage rise.

The S&P SL20 index closed the day in the opposite direction, declining by a marginal 0.01% (0.22 points) to end at 2,967.31 points. 

For the week both ASPI and MPI lost 2.7% and 3.7% respectively.

SC Securities said market turnover improved to generate Rs. 803.17 million with a volume of 18.38 million shares transacting during the day. The top turnover generators for the day were Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka PLC (DIST), Hatton National Bank PLC Non-voting (HNB.X), John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH), PC House PLC (PCH), and Panasian Power PLC (PAP).

The turnover generated from the crossings of DIST alone accounted for 79% of the total market turnover.

DIST witnessed five off the market trades which collectively generated a turnover of Rs. 640.74 million on a share volume of 4.42 million. The counter ended the day at a price of Rs. 147.50, gaining 1.24% (Rs. 1.80) over the previous close.

HNB.X generated a turnover of Rs. 22.35 million with a volume of 203,000 shares changing hands. The counter traded at a low of Rs. 110 and high of Rs. 112.50 before ending the day at Rs. 112.50, witnessing a upside of 2.27% (Rs. 2.50).

PCH witnessed a price appreciation of 9.8% (50 cents) before ending the day at Rs. 5.60. The counter generated a turnover of Rs. 14.46 million.

Foreigners ended the day as net buyers with foreign purchases worth of Rs. 696.59 million against foreign sales worth of Rs. 660.92 million resulting in a net inflow of Rs. 35.68 million.