Market declines

The All Share Price Index (ASPI) which closed at 1,913.11 yesterday (16-05-2005) declined during the day today to close at 1,902.9, recording a decline of 10.2 points. The Milanka Price Index (MPI) however, gained during the day to close at 2,686.44 from the day's open of 2,681.70, an increase of 4.7 points from the previous day's close.

A total equity turnover of Rs. 395.4 Mn was recorded during the day. Sectors that recorded highest gains during the day were telecommunication and motors while the construction and engineering, land and property and trading sectors led the declines.

Market Capitalisation at the end of trading stood at Rs. 488.3 Bn A total of 5410 trades were concluded during the day.

Foreign investors were net sellers with sales of Rs. 43.5 Mn as against purchases of Rs. 42.5 Mn. Top gainers for the day were Watawala (++15%), Peoples Merchant (+9.6%) and AMW (+5.4%) while the top losers were Industrial Asphalts (-27.2%), LB finance (-10.9%), Associated Hotels (-10.2%).