Stocks reach new highs

Turnover at the CSE hit the Rs. 1.1 billion mark while the broader market index closed at levels last seen in May of 2008.

The ASPI closed yesterday at 2,588, gaining 35 points (1.4 percent).

The more liquid MPI closed up 31 points (+1.1 percent) to end at 2,935. John Keells Holdings gained 75 cents to close at Rs 136.00 on a turnover of Rs 225 million.

Hotel Services, which owns and operates the Ceylon Continental, gained Rs 2.25 to close at Rs 20.50 on a turnover of Rs 127 million. Commercial Bank gained Rs 3.25 to close at Rs 150.25 on a turnover of Rs 84 million.

Telco's Dialog Telekom gained 25 cents to close at Rs 5.50 while Sri Lanka Telecom gained 75 cents to close at Rs 42.50.

Ceylon Tobacco which reached a high of Rs 193.00 on Wednesday closed down at Rs 174.50.

Far East markets ended in the red with the Nikkei, the Hang Seng and the Chinese CSI losing 1.5 percent, 1 percent and 0.5.

Source: First Guardian Equities