ECONOMYNEXT – The Colombo Stock Exchange closed up on Wednesday, data on its site showed.
The broader All Share Index closed up 0.58 percent, or 66.30 points, at 11,413; while the more liquid S&P SL20 Index closed up 1.05 percent, or 34.13 points, at 3,278.
Turnover was 1.3 billion.
“Turnover crossed the one billion mark for the first time this month,” Softlogic Stockbrokers said. “There was mixed participation from both local and foreign investors.”
Interest in banks was seen due to many posting positive interim results. Commercial Bank of Ceylon Plc was up at 92.90 despite its Bangladesh exposure.
“Banks are seeing interest because the banking results that have come out so far look ok. It could also be a bit of profit-taking.”
Hatton National Bank Plc voting was flat at 180.00, while non-voting was up at 142.50. The bank had posted a profit after tax of 15.4 billion rupees during the six months ended June 2024.
Sampath Bank Plc was up at 76.00, DFCC Bank Plc was down at 69.80. National Development Bank Plc was up at 69.00.
There were three crossings recorded; John Keells Holdings Plc saw foreign buying interest contributing 144 million to the turnover. The share closed up at 180.00 rupees.
However, there was net foreign outflow of 94 million recorded in the day.
“There was some aggressive foreign selling on Hayleys Plc.” The share closed down at 94.10.
Standard Capital Plc closed up at 38.40.
Top contributors to the turnover were John Keells Holdings, Melstacorp Plc (down at 80.20), Hayleys Fabric Plc (up at 49.00) and Ceylon Tobacco Company Plc (flat at 1,250.00), and Aitken Spence Plc (up at 118.75). (Colombo/Aug14/2024)