Colombo stocks ended almost flat today where benchmark indices closed in opposite direction.
All Share Index closed at 5,323.21, drop 8.24 points (-0.15%) and MPI gained marginally by 1.23 points (+0.03%) to close at 2,923.14. S&P SL 20 Index dropped by 9.03 index points and end at 2,923.14.
Turnover level improved to LKR 871.0mn mainly due to the off-the-floor deals recorded by Aviva NDB Insurance, John Keells Holdings and Asiri Surgical Hospitals. 1.5mn shares of Aviva NDB Insurance changed hands at LKR 349.00 per share. Most likely parties to the transaction are NDB Capital (CDIC) and AIA.
John Keells Holdings topped the turnover list with LKR 61.7mn followed by National Development Bank (LKR 21.2mn) and Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings (LKR 14.8mn).
Panasian Power, Renuka Shaw Wallace – Rights and Vallibel One were the heavily traded stocks during the day.
Foreign participation accounted for 43% of the total turnover and foreign investors were net buyers with a net inflow of LKR 702mn.
http://www.nation.lk/edition/biz-news/item/13199-market-slips-marginally.html