ASPI hits 3 months high

The bourse closed on a positive note as the index halted in the green zone at 9,434 gaining 95 points.

During the early hours of trading the index took a downward hit as a result of the uncertainties surrounding the DDR strategies which are expected to be unveiled in the coming days, however towards mid-day the index picked up exceptionally well, influenced by the contribution of the Banking sector counters driven by high net worth investor participation.

Moreover, the market was able to keep up the positive sentiment for the 4th consecutive day mainly due to the improved investor participation on the blue chip counters and banks. Furthermore, reactivated retail participation continued to contribute positively through small and mid cap shares justifying the bullish sentiment.

Meanwhile, the turnover was recorded as LKR 2.2 Bn, 91% higher than the average of LKR 1.2Bn, mainly aided by the off board transaction alongside the Banking sector (48%), Capital Goods sector (18%) and Food, Beverage and Tobacco sector (8%) respectively.

SAMP and HNB led the overall turnover while SAMP contributed LKR 594.7Mn (27%) and HNB contributed LKR 275.2Mn (12%). Meanwhile, SAMP dominated the market volume with 10.6 Mn shares (12%) while SCAP recorded the second largest volume of 8.4Mn shares (9%). Overall volume increased compared to the previous session and recorded at 90.4Mn. Top gainers for the day were CHL.X (+13%), HNBF.X (+11%), RGEM (+9%), UDPL

(+6%) and CTLD (+6%). Meanwhile, the top losers for the day were BLUE.X (-25%), AFS (-25%), SEMB (-14%), AINS (-10%) and COCO.X (-6%). First Capital Research