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The Colombo stock market’s active S&P SL 20 index remained resilient to post a gain amidst Rs. 1 billion turnover.
First Capital said the benchmark All Share Price Index (ASPI) ended in the negative territory for the third consecutive session while experiencing mixed reactions amidst the Supreme Court order on Gazettes challenging Parliament dissolution and election date.
The index recorded an intraday low of 4,790 before closing at 4,791 losing 5 points, while it was dragged down predominantly due to the price losses in Ceylon Cold Stores (CCS) and Cargills (Ceylon) Plc. Turnover for the session was boosted predominantly due to the parcel trades made in Expolanka Holdings.
Market witnessed a high foreign participation dominated by the selling side resulting in a net outflow.
NDB Securities said the ASPI edged down as a result of price losses in counters such as Ceylon Cold Stores, Cargills and Dialog Axiata with the turnover crossing Rs. 1 billion.
High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Expolanka, John Keells Holdings and Ceylon Cold Stores. Mixed interest was observed in Sampath Bank and Dialog Axiata whilst retail interest was noted in Tokyo Cement Company. Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net sellers. Total foreign sales accounted for 67.4% of the turnover.
Transportation sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Expolanka Holdings) whilst the sector index increased by 3.89%. The share price of Expolanka Holdings increased by Rs. 0.10 (4.00%) to close at Rs. 2.60.
The Banking sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Sampath Bank and Hatton National Bank) whilst the sector index increased by 0.18%.
The share price of Sampath Bank moved up by Rs. 1.70 (1.50%) to close at Rs. 115.00. The share price of Hatton National Bank declined by Rs. 1.10 (1.14%) to close at Rs. 95.00.
John Keells Holdings and Ceylon Cold Stores were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of John Keells Holdings gained Rs. 2.80 (2.61%) to close at Rs. 110.00. The share price of Ceylon Cold Stores recorded a loss of Rs. 39.80 (5.61%) to close at Rs. 670.00.