CSE takes a breather - Asian stocks rally

Stocks at the CSE took a pause as investors took profits after a four- day rally in which the ASPI gained 115 points till Wednesday.

On Thursday, the ASPI dropped slightly by 5 points (-0.2percent) to close at 2,481.

The MPI, which tracks the larger and most liquid stocks lost 10 points (-0.4 percent) to close at 2,763 points.

Turnover for yesterday was Rs 558 million. Commercial Bank (turnover of Rs 99 million, share gained Rs 3.50 to close at Rs 142.75), Lanka Cement (turnover of Rs 88 million, share closed up Rs 2.00 at Rs 38.75) and Ceylinco Insurance (Turnover of Rs 51 million, share closed unchanged at Rs 200.00) were the main contributors to turnover.

Overseas Realty gained 25 cents to close at Rs 14.75 on business of Rs 39 million, while Dialog Telekom saw large parcels changing hands to the tune of Rs 29 million. The share lost 25 cents to close at Rs 5.25.

Sri Lanka Telecom lost 25 cents as well to close at Rs 47.25. John Keells Holdings closed unchanged at Rs 135.00 while Aitken Spence closed up 25 cents higher at Rs 640.00. Distilleries lost Rs 1.25 to close at Rs 85.75. Source: First Guardian Equities