Sri Lanka *market update* ASPI close down, Thin trades

The market closed today posting a turnover of LKR 386,347,532 (USD 2.6mn) with the indexes moving down. ASPI closed at 6238.87 down 13.25 points (-0.21%) while the more liquid SP SL20 index closed at 3459.86 down 16.88 points (-0.48%). Crossings accounted for 47% of the turnover with two crossings in DFCC.N (LKR 159mn; USD 1,068k), one crossing in CFIN.N (LKR 22mn; USD 144k). Bank Finance and Insurance Sector was the highest contributor towards the turnover at LKR 266mn followed Diversified Sector and Manufacturing sector generating LKR 56mn and LKR 21mn. Foreign investors were net sellers of LKR 137.2mn worth of shares, while their participation in terms of revenue increased to 30.3% (previous day 17.3%). Estimated net foreign buying topped in HHL.N LKR 31.7mn (USD 213k). Estimated net foreign selling topped in DFCC.N LKR 175.5mn (USD 1,180k). Retail activity was witnessed in counters such as DFCC.N, JKH.N and AEL.N