Sri Lanka stocks close down 0.6-pct; JKH reaches 52 week low

Jun 08, 2015 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s stocks closed down at 0.62 percent with losses in index heavy and banking stocks, brokers said. The Colombo benchmark All Share Price Index (ASPI) closed 44.07 points lower at 7,078.66 down 0.62 percent. The S&P SL20 closed 39.35 points lower at 3,924.33 down 0.99 percent. Turnover was 659 million rupees, up from 517 million Friday with 51 stocks closing positive against 137 negative. “The market dropped mainly due to losses in the index heavy stocks, with JKH reaching a 52 week low price.” Lanka Securities said. “Almost all banking counters also showed losses. The market seems to be going through a correction.” The top contributor to turnover was John Keells Holdings closing at 190.00 rupees, down 5.00 and Good Hope closing at 1,601.00 rupees, down 206.50 rupees (11.4 percent). One off the floor trade was recorded at JKH with 115,00 shares traded at 190.00 rupees while the stock also hit a 52 week low price of 189.90 rupees. In the banking sector Sampath Bank closed at 259.00 rupees, down 6.00 rupees and DFCC closed at 208.00 rupees, down 2.00 rupees. Commercial Bank closed flat at 162.20 rupees.