Market extends bullish run

ASPI extended the positive sentiment for the fourth consecutive day as investors continued to actively participate in the market. As the market gained over 450 points during the past few days, profit taking was witnessed across the board, prompting a marginal fall of the index at the early hours of trading. However, with the active collection of the blue-chip companies, the market recovered the earlier losses and closed the day at 9,146, gaining 64 points.

As the secondary bond market yields fell sharply (up to 100bps compared to the previous week,) Treasury counters continued to see a bullish sentiment. Meanwhile, turnover surged to 2 ½-week high (+29% cf. monthly average turnover of LKR 1.9Bn) and was largely led by Capital Goods (mainly JKH) and Food, Beverage & Tobacco sectors with a contribution of 36% and 16%, respectively.

However, foreign investors remained net sellers and recorded the largest net outflow of LKR 478Mn in the year, mainly led by JKH.

JKH and SAMP led overall turnover while JKH contributed LKR 653.7Mn (27%), while SAMP contributed LKR 223.6Mn (9%). Meanwhile, HELA dominated the market volume with 5.0Mn shares (7%) while JKH recorded the second largest volume of 4.8Mn shares (7%). Overall volume witnessed a dip compared to the previous session and recorded at 69.5Mn.Top gainers for the day were SING (+25%), CERA (+14%), HUNA (+12%), DIST (+9%) and BBH (+9%). Meanwhile, top losers for the day were BALA (-9%), MULL (-8%), BOPL (-7%), SHAW (-7%) and BFN (-6%).

Foreign investors remained net sellers amidst moderate participation and recorded a net foreign outflow of LKR 477.5Mn. Accordingly, TKYO.X, CIC and GRAN were the top three shares to lead foreign inflow while JKH, DIAL and SAMP were the three counters recording the largest foreign outflow. First Capital Research