ASPI gains

The indices at the Colombo Stock Exchange continued its rally with the ASPI gaining 32 points (+1.8 percent) yesterday to close at 1,810 while the more liquid MPI gained 40 points (2.2 percent) closing at 1,908.

Turnover got a boost from Sri Lanka's largest conglomerate, John Keells Holdings which saw three million shares done for a turnover of Rs 192 million with the share closing up Rs 1.00 to Rs 65.00. Asian Hotels and Properties(AHPL), a part of the JKH group, saw Rs 34 million of transactions on 1.13 million shares with the share closing up Rs 1.00 at Rs 31.25.

Lanka Cement continued to see retail volume, but the share lost 25 cents to close at Rs 14.00 a share on turnover of Rs 7 million.

The plantations sector gained the most on Thursday, by 7 percent, on the back of improving tea prices. Leading the pack was Watawala Plantations, up by 15 percent (up Rs 8.25 to close at Rs 64.75). Elpititya (gained Rs 6.00 to close at Rs 50.75) and Hapugastenne ( up Rs 2.75 to close at Rs 24.50) both gained 13 percent, while Madulsima Plantations closed at Rs 11.75 ( up Rs 1.25) gaining 12 percent for the day.

Major Asian markets ended positive while oil traded at US$48.00/barrel. Japan's Nikkei Index was up 1.4 percent, Hong Kong's Hang Seng was up 2.3 percent , Singapore's Straits Times Index gained 0.7 percent and India's Sensex was up 1.6 percent. Source: First Guardian Equities