ASPI gains

Stocks at the CSE bounced back with the ASPI gaining 30 points (+1.2 percent) to close at 2,530 yesterday while the more liquid MPI gained 23 points (+0.8 percent) to close at 2,845. Gains were lead by Dialog Telekom which gained 50 cents to close at Rs 5.50. Sri Lanka Telecom which was up a rupee to close at Rs 43.00 and John Keells Holdings gained Rs 1.75 to close at Rs 133.00.

Turnover for the day came from Commercial Bank (Turnover of Rs 71 million, voting share up Rs 1.50 to close at Rs 145.50), Environmental Resources (turnover of Rs 55 million, share down Rs 2.25 to end at Rs 34.25) and John Keells Holdings (Rs 45 million). Riverina Hotels made a loss of Rs 40 million for the quarter ending June 2009 on turnover of Rs 36 million. Revenue had declined 43 percent from the Rs 62 million, the group made in the same quarter in 2008, while losses had increased 172 percent from the Rs 15 million in the corresponding period. Riverina closed at Rs 58.75 a share yesterday.

Asian markets had a mixed day after Monday's routing, though the big five all saw some gains.

Source: First Guardian Equities