Indices in green territory; turnover hits Rs. 3 billion

By Hiran H.Senewiratne

Central Bank’s dovish decision on interest rates created a positive momentum in the CSE which has continued since last week, market analysts said.

Shares edged- up in mid- day trade yesterday and ended up on a positive note, moving both indices into green territory. The All- Share Price Index went up by 147.2 points and S and P SL20 rose by 57.6 points. Turnover stood at Rs 3.1 billion with tree crossings. Those crossings were reported in ACL Cables, which crossed 2 million shares to the tune of Rs 172 million; its shares were traded at Rs 86, HNB 350,000 shares crossed for Rs 61.25 million and its shares fetched Rs 175 and DFCC 500,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 28.7 million; its shares sold at Rs 57.50.

In the retail market top seven companies that contributed to the turnover were; DFCC Rs 227 million, (3.8 million shares traded), Lanka IOC Rs 225 million (1.5 million shares traded), Commercial Bank Rs 213 million (2.5 million shares traded), Hayleys Rs 200 million (2.1 million shares traded), Browns Investments Rs 200 million (2.1 million shares traded), Sampath Bank Rs 149.2 million (2.2 million shares traded) and Vallibel One Rs 117 million (2.4 million shares traded). During the day 135 million share volumes changed hands in 28000 transactions.

Accordingly, bonds opened unchanged at close, dealers said, while the spot US dollar opened at Rs. 320.00/321.50. The rupee closed at Rs 319.50/321.00 on Friday. A bond maturing on 15.05.2030 was quoted down at 15.25/35 percent after closing at 15.30/60.00 percent on Friday. A bond maturing on 15.01.2028 was quoted down at 15.25/35 percent after closing at 15.30/60.00 percent on Friday. A bond maturing on 15.09.2027 was quoted down at 13.80/14.20 percent after closing at 15.15/15.75 percent on Friday. Bonds maturing on 15.05.2026 and 01.07.2025 have not been quoted.Yesterday, the Central Bank’s US dollar buying rate was Rs 313.29 and selling rate Rs 327.16.