Market dips marginally

The indices at the Colombo Stock Exchange yesterday marginally dipped as retail profit taking continued. The ASPI dropped by 13 points (-0.6 percent) to close at 2,419 while the MPI lost 7 points (-0.3 percent) to close at 2,714.

Turnover was a relatively subdued Rs 304 billion as most market activity was limited to retail trading. Lanka Cement was up Rs 2.00 to close at Rs 25.00 a share on business of Rs 39 million, while Pelwatte Sugar gained Rs 1.75 to close at Rs 22.75 on turnover of Rs 17 million. Both companies have seen considerable retail interest in the recent past.

John Keells Holdings closed unchanged at Rs 136.75 on turnover of Rs 18 million while NDB Bank gained Rs 1.00 to close at Rs 153.50 on turnover of Rs 37 million.

Distilleries Company gained Rs 1.00 to close at Rs 88.75. Lanka Milk Foods which relates to the movement of the Distilleries Company share, also gained 25 cents to close at Rs 42.50.

Asian Hotels and Properties lost 75 cents to close at Rs 53.00, while John Keells Hotels closed unchanged at Rs 12.25. Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings lost Rs 3.00 to close at Rs 142.00. Source: First Guardian Equities