Market down

Colombo stocks had a slow day as investors took small positions in a declining market. Turnover for yesterday was Rs 342 million with John Keells Holdings generating Rs 69 million of turnover, while NDB Bank's contribution was Rs 46 million. JKH closed down 75 cents to Rs 136.00 while NDB Bank closed up Rs 1.50 to Rs 155.00. The other note-worthy contribution came from Commercial Bank, Rs 30 million, with the share closing up 50 cents to Rs 135.00.

The ASPI lost 10 points (-0.4percent) to close at 2,410 while the MPI lost 5 points (-0.2 percent) to close at 2,710. Large cap stocks such as Sri Lanka Telecom ( down 75 cents to Rs 48.00), Aitken Spence (down Rs 8.00 to Rs 640.00) were down for the day. Distilleries Company gained 75 cents to close at Rs 89.50 while Lanka Milk Foods gained 50 cents to close at Rs 43.00

In the hotels and travels sector, Asian Hotels and Properties remained unchanged.

Source: First Guardian Equities