ECONOMYNEXT – The Colombo Stock Exchange closed up on Wednesday, data on its site showed.
The broader All Share Index closed up 1.54 percent, or 163.99 points, at 10,837; while the more liquid S&P SL20 Index closed up 1.84 percent, or 55.05 points, at 3,045.
Turnover was 1.4 billion.
“Given prices have come down a lot, the local investor fraternity are taking positions,” Softlogic Stockbrokers said.
“Especially on companies with solid fundamentals; we saw interest in the banking shares and conglomerates, with prices moving up.”
Top turnover generators were Hatton National Bank Plc (up at 164.50), Commercial Bank of Ceylon Plc (up at 86.00), John Keells Holdings Plc (flat at 167.00), Richard Pieris and Company Plc (up at 20.60), and Ceylon Hospitals Plc (up at 128.50).
There were four crossings recorded; Richard Pieris, John Keells, Ceylon Hospitals, and HNB non-voting (133.00).
“This could be an occasional blip. The uncertainty could continue around the election.”
There was net foreign outflow of 68.23 million.
Foreign buying was seen in CIC Holdings Plc non-voting (up at 48.00), John Keells Holdings, Tess Agro Plc (up at 1.00), JAT Holdings Plc (up at 16.30), Richard Pieris and Company, and Lanka IOC Plc (up at 105.50).
Foreign selling was seen in HNB, Chevron Lubricants Lanka Plc (up at 116.25), hSenid Business Solutions Plc (down at 10.60), Ceylon Cold Stores Plc (up at 52.10), Softlogic Holdings Plc (down at 7.00), and John Keells Hotels Plc (flat at 15.00). (Colombo/Sep4/2024)