The Colombo stock market saw mixed fortunes yesterday with the two indices going opposite direction after Wednesday's rebound.

The All Share Price Index shed near 9 points whilst the S and P SL 20 Index gained by over 3 points on a day turnover was a healthy Rs. 897.3 million.

NDB Securities said the ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as LOLC Holdings, Melstacorp and Trade Finance and Investments.

High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Sampath Bank, Commercial Bank, Nations Trust Bank, Hatton National Bank and Sanasa Development Bank.

Mixed interest was observed in First Capital Holdings whilst retail interest was noted in Tokyo Cement

Company voting and nonvoting. Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net sellers. Total foreign sales accounted for 57.0% of the turnover.

Banks sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Sampath Bank, Commercial Bank, Nations Trust Bank, Hatton National Bank and Sanasa Development Bank) whilst the sector index gained 0.31%. The share price of Sampath Bank decreased by Rs 0.50 (0.30%) to close at Rs 164.00. The share price of Commercial Bank closed flat at Rs 92.00. The share price of Nations Trust Bank closed flat at Rs 78.00. The share price of Hatton National Bank recorded a gain of Rs 1.30 (0.81%) to close at Rs 161.30. The share price of Sanasa Development Bank closed flat at Rs 58.00. Materials sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover whilst the sector index decreased by 2.41%.

© Pakistan Press International, source Asianet-Pakistan