July ended with a market turnover of LKR 4.0 billion as indices closed in the red due to price losses in key counters such as John Keells Holdings, Sampath Bank, and Melstacorp. The total turnover crossed Rs. 3.9 billion, with notable crossings in Overseas Realty accounting for 74.0% of the turnover.
Mixed interest was observed in Hatton National Bank, Sunshine Holdings, and Browns Investments, while retail interest was noted in LOLC Finance, Dialog Axiata, and Nation Lanka Finance. Foreign investors remained active, closing as net sellers for the period.
Throughout July, the ASPI and the S&P SL20 indices declined by 6.1% and 9.0%, respectively, with an average daily turnover of Rs. 1.01 billion.
The Real Estate sector, led by Overseas Realty, was the top contributor to market turnover, although the sector index edged down by 0.01%. The share price of Overseas Realty increased by Rs. 0.10 (0.59%) to close at Rs. 17.00.
The Capital Goods sector was the second-highest contributor to market turnover, primarily due to John Keells Holdings, which saw its share price decrease by Rs. 17.50 (9.25%) to close at Rs. 171.75.
Other significant contributors to turnover included Hatton National Bank, Dipped Products, and Sunshine Holdings. The share price of Hatton National Bank rose by Rs. 0.50 (0.27%) to close at Rs. 188.50, while Dipped Products’ share price fell by Rs. 0.20 (0.58%) to Rs. 34.00. Sunshine Holdings’ share price remained flat at Rs. 60.50.