The Colombo stock market ended on a positive note yesterday as the ASPI increased by 0.29% or 16.74 points while the S and P SL20 Index also increased by 0.53% or 14.81 points.

Market turnover was Rs. 431 million down by 2% from Monday. The crossings for the day accounted for 16.5% of the day's total turnover.

Acuity Stockbrokers said foreign Investors recorded a net inflow of Rs. 40.5 million over the day compared to a net outflow of Rs. 62.1 million recorded on Monday.

NDB Securities said the ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Commercial Bank, Ceylon Cold Stores and Distilleries.

High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Access Engineering, Cargills and Central Finance Company.

Mixed interest was observed in Sampath Bank, John Keells Holdings and Seylan Bank. Furthermore, foreigners closed as net buyers.

Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Access Engineering and John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index gained 0.31%.

The share price of Access Engineering increased by Rs. 0.10 (0.49%) to close at Rs. 20.60. The share price of John Keells Holdings appreciated by Rs. 0.50 (0.32%) to close at Rs. 155.30.

Banks sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Sampath Bank) whilst the sector index increased by 0.86%. The share price of Sampath Bank moved up by Rs. 0.70 (0.42%) to close at Rs. 167.00.

Cargills and Central Finance Company were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Cargills gained Rs. 1.20 (0.63%) to close at Rs. 191.20. The share price of Central Finance Company closed flat at Rs. 99.40.

© Pakistan Press International, source Asianet-Pakistan