By Hiran H.Senewiratne
The CSE yesterday saw a sharp pick-up in trade, in terms of turnover and volume, with indices staying positive following Foreign Minister Ali Sabry hinting on the IMF agreement, which is likely to be signed in early January. Assurances are likely to be given by main creditors, China India and Japan, for restructuring of debt, stock market analysts said.
Shares rose over 3 per cent within the first hour of trade, pushed up by strong positive sentiments, following last week’s Expolanka expansion news and speculation on interest rates to be eased in line with inflation, market analysts said.
“Since last week the market is moving on strong positive sentiments on Expolanka and interest rates to fall in line with inflation; this has also brought in some bargain hunting, analysts opined.
Central bank Governor Dr Nandalal Weerasinghe also said market rates should eventually ease despite fears over domestic debt restructuring, as inflation falls, liquidity increases in dollar markets and inter-bank liquidity improves.
Prices in blue-chip counters also showed significant gains and both indices moved upwards. The All- Share Price Index was up by 276 points and S and P SL20 rose by 81.2 points. Turnover stood at Rs 3.35 billion with five crossings.
Those five crossings reported in Overseas Realty, where 98.5 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 276 million, its shares traded at Rs 14, Lanka IOC 250,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 47.5 million and its shares traded at Rs 190, Kelani Tyre 728,000 shares crossed for Rs 40.1 million, its shares traded at Rs 55, hZenid Business Solutions two million shares crossed for Rs 34 million and its shares traded at Rs 17 and CT Holdings 114,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 20 million, its shares traded at Rs 175.
In the retail market top seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were, Browns Investments Rs 554 million (76.7 million shares traded), Expolanka Holdings Rs 425 million (2.2 million shares traded), Lanka IOC Rs 197 million (one million shares traded), LOLC Finance Rs 158 million (21.2 million shares traded), First Capital Holdings Rs 150 million (5.9 million shares traded), Capital Alliance Rs 143 million (6.7 million shares traded) and First Capital Treasuries Rs 122 million (5.2 million shares traded).During the day 281 million share volumes changed hands in 28000 transactions.
It is said that high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Melstacorp and Ceylon Cold Stores. Mixed interest was observed in Expolanka Holdings, Lanka IOC and ACL Cables, while retail interest was noted in Browns Investments, First Capital Holdings and First Capital Treasuries.
The Transportation sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Expolanka Holdings), while the sector index gained 3.97 per cent. The share price of Expolanka Holdings increased by Rs. 7.25 (3.98 per cent) to close at Rs. 189.50.
The Food, Beverage and Tobacco sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Browns Investments and Melstacorp), while the sector index increased by 2 per cent. The share price of Browns Investments moved up by 40 cents (6.56 per cent) to close at Rs. 6.50. The share price of Melstacorp appreciated by Rs. 2 (4.38 per cent) to close at Rs. 47.70.
Yesterday, the Central Bank- announced US dollar buying rate was Rs 361.24 and the selling rate Rs 371.72. The Colombo Consumer Price Index showed some decline of 61 per cent in November, while in October it was 66 per cent. Therefore, the inflation has indicated some decline.
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