Colombo Stock market managed to record marginal returns in both indices on Tuesday where benchmark index gained 0.31 points to close at 6,344.41. 20 Scrip S&P SL index grew by 0.40 points (+0.40%) to end at 3,521.07. Price appreciations in counters such as Nestle Lanka (closed at LKR 1,985.00, +3.1%), Ceylinco Insurance (closed at LKR 1,400.00, +3.6%) and Dialog Axiata (closed at LKR 10.30, +1.0%) contributed favorably to the index performance.

Daily market turnover was LKR 1.1bn. Several crossings were recorded in Hayleys MGT (22.59mn shares at LKR 12.50), Horana Plantations (0.99mn shares at LKR 27.00), John Keells Holdings (0.11mn shares at LKR 232.80) & Distilleries (0.10mn shares at LKR 207.50).

Accordingly Hayleys MGT topped the turnover list with LKR 388mn followed by John Keells Holdings (LKR 84mn) and Commercial Bank (LKR 75mn).

Gainers offset losers 109 to 89, while 62 counters remained unchanged. Cash map declined to 47% from 58%. 23 equities reached 52wk high prices and 3 stocks touched to 52wk low prices.

Moreover, Lanka IOC, Laxapana Batteries and Hayleys MGT attracted heavy investor interest during the trading session.

Foreign investors were net buyers with net inflow of LKR 56mn worth of equities. Foreign participation was 25%. Foreign inflows were seen in counters such as Distilleries (LKR 52mn), Hemas Holdings (LKR 17mn), Hayleys MGT (LKR 15mn) while outflow was mainly seen in Horana Plantations (LKR 40mn).

Lanka Securities Research