Investors buy midcap stocks

The Colombo Stock Exchange saw substantial trading with turnover of Rs 1.2 billion as investors bought up midcap stocks.

Heavy turnover was seen in Nations Trust Bank shares with the share closing at Rs 39.00 on business of Rs 226 million. NTB warrant W0010 2010 closed unchanged at Rs 6.25 on turnover of Rs 4.6 million.

One W0010, which expires on the February 22, can be used to buy a NTB share at Rs 30.00. The W0011 warrant which expires in 2011 closed at Rs 8.50.

Kshatriya Holdings closed up by Rs 1.25 to end the day at Rs 12.50 on turnover of Rs 157 million, while John Keells Holdings closed up at Rs 2.75 to end at Rs 165.25 on a turnover of Rs 97 million.

Environmental Resources Investments closed at Rs 194.75, down Rs 12.25.

The warrants W0000 closed at Rs 116.00 and W0001 closed at Rs 118.75.

Major Asian markets were mixed with the Straits Times Index up 0.2 percent, while the Nikkei was down 1 percent and the Bombay Sensex down 0.7 percent. China and Hong Kong Markets were closed for the Chinese New Year.

First Guardian Equities