Market dips on profit taking

The Colombo Stock Exchange saw indices dragged down on profit taking after starting the day on a positive note. At the close of the day's trading, the ASPI closed up 12 points (+0.3 percent) to end the day at 3,733.

The more liquid MPI came down as index heavy weights saw prices come down. Environmental Resources shares closed the day lower at Rs 225.75 after reaching a day high of Rs 270.00. The share was down Rs 20.25 for the day.

Distilleries Company closed the day at Rs 115.00 losing Rs 2.00, while Dialog Telekom closed at Rs 6.75, down 25 cents. Overall the MPI lost 10 points (-0.2 percent) to close at 4,259.

Turnover for the day was Rs 1.7 billion with Rs 616 million accounted for by trading in shares and warrants of Environmental Resources.

The W0000 closed the day at Rs 139.25, down Rs 15.50 and the W0001 warrant closed at Rs 140.00, down Rs 16.50. John Keells Holdings saw turnover of Rs 203 million with the share gaining Rs 1.50 to close at Rs 139.25.

Of the other large cap stocks, Sri Lanka Telecom gained 50 cents to close the day higher at Rs 40.50, while Ceylon Tobacco gained Rs 3.25 to Rs 238.25. Commercial Bank closed the day higher at Rs 188.00, while HNB gained Rs 1.75 to close at Rs 175.25. Aitken Spence closed the day unchanged at Rs 1,250.00.

First Guardian Equities