Turnover dipped sharply to Rs.257.7 million on the Colombo bourse yesterday, down from the previous day’s Rs.519.9 million, but all three indices were up – the All Share by 9.52 points (0.20%), the Milanka by 7.59 points (0.18%) and the S&P by 1.07 points (0.04) with 145 gainers strongly outpacing 56 losers while 90 counters closed flat.
John Keells Holdings generated the day’s biggest turnover of Rs.30.3 million with nearly 0.2 million shares traded between Rs.176.90 and Rs.179 closing 50 cents down at Rs.177.
DFCC followed gaining Rs.4.70 to close at Rs.110 on over 0.2 million shares done between Rs.105.50 and Rs.110 with Odel third in the turnover league gaining Rs.5.10 with over 0.9 million shares done between Rs.18.20 and Rs.23.20.
Retail activity was seen in counters like HVA up a rupee to Rs.13.60 on nearly one million shares done between Rs.12.30 and Rs.13.70. Carsons lost Rs.10.20 to close at Rs.450 on 31,199 shares traded between Rs.450 and Rs.460.
Commercial Bank (voting) was up 90 cents to Rs.97.90 on 0.1 million shares done between Rs.96.80 and Rs.97.90 while Seylan (non-voting) too was up 90 cents to Rs.25.90 on over 0.2 million shares done between Rs.25 and Rs.25.90.
Brokers said that sentiment was subdued as evidenced by the low turnover.
Lanka Ventures announced a final dividend of Rs.1.50 per share for 2011/12 following shareholder approval at a September 14 AGM with the share trading XD from September 17 and with payment on September 25.
Kelani Tyres announced an interim dividend of Rs.1.45 per share for 2012/13 XD from August 3 and with payment on August 14.
Infrastructure Development Ltd announced a rights issue of one for three at Rs.80 a share with 1.6 million new shares to be issued. Allotments will be made on August 15.
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