ASPI closes in red

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as LOLC Holdings, Expolanka Holdings and Ceylon Cold Stores with the turnover crossing Rs. 5.6 bn.

Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 edged down. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in John Keells Holdings and Commercial Bank.

Mixed interest was observed in Royal Ceramics, Dipped Products and Vallibel One, whilst retail interest was noted in Browns Investments, Expolanka Holdings and SMB Leasing nonvoting.

Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net sellers. Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings and Royal Ceramics), whilst the sector index edged up by 0.10 percent.

The share price of John Keells Holdings moved up by Rs 2.00 (1.45 percent) closing at Rs 140.00, whilst foreign holdings decreased by 1,910,000 shares.

The share price of Royal Ceramics recorded a loss of Rs. 0.30 (0.72 percent) to close at Rs. 41.40. Transportation sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Expolanka Holdings) whilst, the sector index decreased by 2.25 percent.

The share price of Expolanka Holdings decreased by Rs. 1.80 (2.26 percent) to close at Rs. 77.80. Browns Investments and Dipped Products were also included amongst the top turnover contributors.

The share price of Browns Investments gained Rs 0.10 (1.47 percent) to close at Rs 6.90. The share price of Dipped Products declined by Rs. 1.60 (2.72 percent) to close at Rs. 57.30.

Furthermore, Chevron Lubricants announced an interim dividend of Rs. 2.00 per share.