By Hiran H. Senewiratne
CSE trading activities indicated mixed reactions yesterday. Profit- takings were notable initially but later the situation improved, stock market analysts said.
The banking sector showed some signs of reviving due to Central Bank assurances to the Sri Lanka Banks Association on debt optimization, market analysts added.
The market was having a slow day due to selling pressure but later it recovered to a satisfactory level, analysts explained.
The All- Share Price Index went down by 5.23 points and S and P SL 20 went up by 13.96 points.
Turnover stood at Rs 665 million sans any crossings.
In the retail market top seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were, Expolanka Holdings Rs 120 million (754,000 shares traded), Sampath Bank Rs 71.8 million (1.4 million shares traded), NDB Rs 29.9 million (269,0000 shares traded), HNB Rs 29.9 million (260,000 shares traded), Melstacorp Rs 29.3 million (541,000 shares traded), Brown’s Investments Rs 25 million (4.5 million shares traded) and Tokyo Cement Rs 17.5 million (397,000 shares traded). During the day 28 million share volumes changed hands in 10000 transactions.
Yesterday the Central Bank ‘s US dollar buying rate was Rs 312.19 and the selling rate Rs 326.31.