Share market edges–up on mid-market trade for third day running

By Hiran H. Senewiratne

The CSE began a fresh week on a strong note with sharp increase in both indices and an improved turnover yesterday. The market edged -up on mid- market trade for the third day driven by Expolanka, Lanka IOC and Browns Investment, analysts said.

“Market is still being pushed by Expolanka’s expansion news, while Lanka IOC is moving on higher valuation. But there is month- end profit taking in the market. The Central Bank Governor Dr Nandalal Weerasinghe’s recent positive remarks on the economy in many foras have resulted in the stock market moving well, analysts added.

Further, stock market investor sentiment improved when the Central Bank Governor hinted that the economy has achieved short term stability and that interest rates are to come down in the future.

The bourse commenced the week on a positive note and continued to see strength for the second consecutive day as investors expect interest rates to continue to fall in line with inflation in the upcoming months, stock market analysts opined.

Consequently, both indices moved upwards. The All- Share Price Index went up by 92.6 points and S and P SL20 rose by 43.1 points. Turnover stood at Rs 2.9 billion with a crossing. The crossing was reported in Melstacorp, which crossed 888,000 shares to the tune of Rs 39.6 million and its shares traded at Rs 45.50.

In the retail market top seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were, Expolanka Holdings Rs 1.2 billion (6.6 million shares traded), Lanka IOC Rs 381 million (two million shares traded), Browns Investments Rs 287 million (43.6 million shares traded), First Capital Holdings Rs 119.4 million (5.5 million shares traded), First Capital Treasuries Rs 87.5 million (four million shares traded), ACL Cables Rs 61.6 million (781,000 shares traded) and Melstacorp Rs 54.4 million (1.1 million shares traded). During the day 100 million shares changed hands in 23000 share transactions.

It is said that high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Lankem Developments and Lanka IOC. Mixed interest was observed in Expolanka Holdings, ACL Cables and First Capital Holdings, while retail interest was noted in Browns Investments, SMB Leasing and LOLC Finance.

The Transportation sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Expolanka Holdings) while the sector index gained 11.62 per cent. The share price of Expolanka Holdings increased by Rs. 19 (11.64 percent) to close at Rs.182.25.

The Energy sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Lanka IOC) while the sector index increased by 3.60 per cent. The share price of Lanka IOC gained Rs. 7.25 (3.98 per cent) to close at Rs. 189.50.

Yesterday, the Central Bank announced the US dollar buying rate as Rs 361.23 and the selling rate as Rs 371.71.