Mixed day at Colombo stock market

The Colombo stock market ended with mixed fortunes, with indices going in an opposite direction despite improved turnover. 

Acuity Stockbrokers said the Bourse ended on a mixed note as the ASPI increased by 0.10% or 6.20 points to close at 5,948.27 points, while the S&P SL20 Index decreased by 0.05% or 1.43 points to close at 2,839.56.

Turnover increased by 44.2% relative to Wednesday to Rs. 0.57 billion while the crossings for the day amounted to 33.6% of the day’s total turnover.

Foreign Investors meanwhile, recorded a net outflow of Rs. 217.6 million over the day compared to a net inflow of Rs. 4.0 million recorded yesterday.

NDB Securities said the ASPI edged up as a result of price gains in counters such as Dialog Axiata, Carson Cumberbatch and Browns Investments.

High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Commercial Bank, Vidullanka and John Keells Holdings. Mixed interest was observed in Access Engineering and Union Bank while retail interest was noted in Hayleys Fabric. 

The Banking sector was the top contributor to market turnover (due to Commercial Bank) while the sector index lost 0.54%. The share price of Commercial Bank decreased by Rs. 0.80 (0.86%) to close at Rs. 92.20.

The Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings and Access Engineering) while the sector index decreased by 0.25%. The share price of John Keells Holdings moved down by Rs. 0.40 (0.25%) to close at Rs. 160.60. The share price of Access Engineering recorded a gain of Rs. 0.30 (1.44%) to close at Rs. 21.20.

Vidullanka and Dialog Axiata were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Vidullanka gained Rs. 0.10 (2.08%) to close at Rs. 4.90. 

The share price of Dialog Axiata appreciated by Rs. 0.20 (1.60%) to close at Rs. 12.70.

Furthermore, Teejay Lanka announced an interim dividend of Rs. 1.30 per share.