Shares hit all time high

By Mario Andree

The Colombo Stock Exchange passed the 8,000 point barrier for the first time in its history on Thursday (21) with the benchmark index gaining for the second consecutive session despite a minor setback on Tuesday (19).

The benchmark All Share Price Index (ASPI) gained 3.13 per cent (246.80 points) to close at 8,131.25 points, the highest it has reached so far, while the more liquid S&P SL20, which represents the top 20 companies traded, gained 3.24 per cent (100.38 points) to close at 3,196.73 points.

The Colombo Stock Exchange witnessed a turnover of a little over Rs 14.2 billion, higher than the Rs 9.37 billion recorded the previous market day.

More than 377.65 million shares changed hands on Thursday (21) during 67,831 trades that took place.

Shares of 276 companies were traded during the day, of which 109 emerged as winners ahead of 108 losers.

Foreigners were net sellers for the twentieth consecutive session. Net foreign outflow during the day amounted to Rs 466 million as foreigners sold slightly less than Rs 601 million as against purchases worth Rs 135 million.

The top ten gainers during the day were: Hayleys Fibre, Haycarb, Hayleys, Blue Diamonds (non-voting), Dipped Products, Royal Ceramic, Singer Sri Lanka, Convenience Food, Lanka Walltile and Lanka Tiles.

The top ten losers were: EB Creasy, Nation Lanka, Amana Bank, Mullers, LOLC Development Finance, Laugfs Power (non-voting), Anilana Hotels, Tangerine, HDFC and on’ally.