CSE gains marginally but enjoys Rs. 336 m foreign inflow

Wednesday, 18 December 2024 00:09 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market closed on the up yesterday too though marginally whilst enjoying renewed foreign interest and high turnover.

The ASPI gained by 16 points or 0.1% and the S&P SL20 by 34 points or 0.8%. Turnover was Rs. 6.35 billion involving 223.5 million. Net foreign inflow was Rs. 336 million.

First Capital said the bourse witnessed heightened volatility, driven by mixed sentiment and increased market activity, as selling pressure followed a strong rally the previous day. Amidst the increased participation from retail investors, the ASPI closed the day in green at 14,516 gaining 16 points, marking a 0.11% increase from the previous day. The most significant contributors towards the positive index were JKH, COMB, NDB, CARG, and LIOC. While the top negative contributors were SAMP, CINS, HNB, CFIN, and CTC.

Turnover marked a 40.3% increase from the monthly average. The Banking sector led the turnover by 29%, followed by the Capital Goods, and Materials sectors jointly contributing 36% of the overall turnover.

NDB Securities said high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Commercial Bank, Aitken Spence and John Keells Holdings. Mixed interest was observed in Hatton National Bank, Sampath Bank and CIC Holdings nonvoting whilst retail interest was noted in Waskaduwa Beach Resort, LVL Energy Fund and Citrus Leisure.

The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Commercial Bank, Hatton National Bank and Sampath Bank) whilst the sector index gained 0.53%. The share price of Commercial Bank increased by Rs. 3.25 to Rs. 137.50. The share price of Hatton National Bank moved down by Rs. 2 to Rs. 272.00. The share price of Sampath Bank declined by one rupee to Rs.

107.75.

The Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings and Aitken Spence) whilst the sector index increased by 1.47%. The share price of John Keells Holdings gained 60 cents to Rs. 22.30. The share price of Aitken Spence recorded a gain of Rs. 2.75 to Rs. 140.