Stocks firm

The indices at the Colombo Stock Exchange ended yesterday on a positive note with the ASPI gaining 12 points (+0.7 percent) to close at 1,838 while the MPI which tracks the most liquid stocks gained 12 points as well (+0.6 percent) to close at 1,963.

The day's turnover was Rs 81 million, with John Keells Holdings accounting for Rs 13 million of Thursday's business. JKH ended at Rs 72.00, up 25 cents.

NDB Bank closed down 50 cents at Rs 93.00 on turnover of Rs 7 million, while Sampath Bank gained Rs 1.75 to close at Rs 75.75 on turnover of Rs 5 million. Sri Lanka Telecom closed up 50 cents at Rs 39.00 while Dialog Telekom remained unchanged at Rs 5.25. Commercial Bank and HNB remained unchanged at Rs 89.00 and Rs 89.25.

Hotel services gained Rs 3.00 to close at Rs 149.75. The company informed the market that the EGM to approve a 10 for 1 split was passed by its shareholders.

Subsequent to which the shares will not be trading from May 4 -7 to make the adjustment for the splits.

Source: First Guardian Equities