Apr 09, 2013 (LBT) - Indices record marginal dips: Bourse witnessed slowing activity and turnover level with the extending New Year holiday sentiments. BFI sector and diversified players defined the market story having added 68% to the day’s turnover. The benchmark index which gained 16 points at its intra-day high did not sustain its momentum with selling pressure in selected counters. One share dipped for every one that gained with large caps; Sri Lanka Telecom (-1.4%), Distilleries (-2.1%) and Ceylon Tobacco Company (-0.6%) weighting heavily on the indices leading to a marginal loss at its close. Consequently the S&P SL20 index dipped marginally at its close of 3,316.75 points.
JKH tops turnover with the sole crossing of the day: John Keells Holdings led the diversified sector to be a main contributor for the day with an off-board block of 101k shares which was crossed off at LKR247.0. Following the crossing was an on-board block of 100k shares which was transacted at a similar price before closing at LKR247.3 (+0.1%). Diversified player; Carsons Cumberbatch too witnessed some interest as it edged up to the top turnover slot, closing flat at LKR450.0. BFI sector extended its dominancy adding 34% to turnover: Hatton National Bank spearheaded the sector with on-board activity depicting a block of 189k shares which was transacted at LKR163.0. The counter which traded between LKR162.0 and LKR163.5 closed with a marginal gain at LKR163.4. Its Non-Voting share attracted the investor eye during early trading having touched LKR127.5 (+1.2%) at its peak on thin volume. Union Bank extended its stride in the top turnover slot depicting some retail interest while Pan Asia Bank saw some interest with an intra-day gain of 2.9% at LKR21.0. Retail activity slowed ahead of New Year holidays: Amidst the slowdown in retail activity, some interest surrounded Union Bank (-7.5%), Vallibel One (0.0%), SMB Leasing (0.0%) and Colombo Land & Development (+4.6%).
http://lbt.lk/stock-market/movement/4119-bfi-a-diversified-sectors-add-68to-turnover-amidst-dip-in-indices