Sri Lanka stocks close down 0.2-pct for third straight day

Jun 10, 2015 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s stocks closed down at 0.19 percent for the third consecutive day with investors continuing to keep away from trading due to the unstable political climate in the country, brokers said. The Colombo benchmark All Share Price Index (ASPI) closed 13.43 points lower at 7,053.68 down 0.19 percent. The S&P SL20 closed 1.44 points lower at 3,914.41 down 0.04 percent. Turnover was 363 million rupees, up from 328 million Tuesday with 87 stocks closing positive against 81 negative. “Political uncertainty continues to drive investors away from the market,” Lanka Securities said. The top contributor to turnover was Lanka Orix Leasing Company closing at 100.50 rupees down 3.50 rupees and Sri Lanka Telecom closing at 45.50 rupees, down 0.90 rupees. John Keells Holdings also recorded a loss and closed at 190.50 rupees, down 1.00 rupees. In the banking sector, Sampath Bank closed at 256.80 rupees, down 2.10 rupees with one off the floor trade of over 171,000 shares at 258.00 rupees. DFCC closed flat at 207.00 rupees and Commercial Bank closed at 162.00 rupees, down 0.10 rupees. Ceylon Tabacco Company closed at 920.00 rupees, down 5.00 rupees and recorded a 52 week low price of 910.00 rupees during the days trading.