Colombo stock market remains positive

The Colombo stock market remained positive yesterday though turnover was relatively low.

The All Share Price Index gained by 11 points and the S&P SL 20 Index by 1.86 points. Turnover was Rs. 395.2 million. NDB Securities said the ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Ceylon Tobacco Company, Singer Sri Lanka and Commercial Bank.

High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Lion Brewery, Ceylon Cold Stores, Ceylon Tobacco Company and People’s Leasing and Finance. 

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

Foreigners remained active closing as net buyers. Total foreign purchases accounted for 46.9% of the turnover.

Food, Beverage & Tobacco sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Lion Brewery and Ceylon Cold Stores) whilst the sector index gained 0.77%. The share price of Lion Brewery decreased by Rs. 10.00 (1.60%) to close at Rs. 615.00. The share price of Ceylon Cold Stores closed flat at Rs. 790.00.

Banks sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Sampath Bank) whilst the sector index edged up by 0.04%. 

The share price of Sampath Bank recorded a loss of Rs. 0.30 (0.18%) to close at Rs. 162.90.

Hayleys Fibre and John Keells Holdings were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Hayleys Fibre moved up by Rs. 7.6 (6.63%) to close at Rs. 122.20. The share price of John Keells Holdings declined by Rs. 0.90 (0.56%) to close at Rs. 161.00.