Mixed sentiments at CSE

The Colombo stock market ended on a mixed note yesterday as the ASPI decreased by 0.20% or 12.04 points to close at 5,968.63 points, while the S&P SL20 Index increased by 0.46% or 12.98 points to close at 2,829.96.

Acuity Stockbrokers said market turnover decreased by 79.7% relative to Monday’s to amount to Rs. 218.7 million while the turnover of BIL.N accounted for 26.4% of the day’s total turnover.

Foreign investors meanwhile, recorded a net outflow of Rs. 29.9 million over the day compared to a net outflow of Rs. 548.1 million on Monday.

NDB Equities said ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Ceylon Tobacco Company, Asian Hotels and Properties and Browns Investments. The S&P SL20 closed in green. 

High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in John Keells Holdings and Sampath Bank. Mixed interest was observed in Browns Investments and Tokyo Cement Company nonvoting whilst retail interest was noted in Ceylon Grain Elevators and Access Engineering.

Furthermore, foreigners closed as net sellers mainly due to foreign selling in John Keells Holdings and Sampath Bank.

Diversified sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Browns Investments and John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index gained 0.22%. The share price of Browns Investments decreased by Rs. 0.20 (3.51%) to close at Rs. 5.50. The share price of John Keells Holdings gained Rs. 2.50 (1.53%) closing at Rs. 166 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 70,500 shares.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Sampath Bank) whilst the sector index increased by 0.20%.

The share price of Sampath Bank moved up by Rs. 1.20 (0.79%) closing at Rs. 153 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 53,562 shares.

Access Engineering and Asian Hotels and Properties were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Access Engineering recorded a loss of Rs. 0.30 (1.48%) to close at Rs. 20. The share price of Asian Hotels and Properties declined by Rs. 2.50 (6.25%) to close at Rs. 37.50.