Banking stocks dominated the today’s trading.

Banking stocks dominated the today’s trading.

With the large transaction in Commercial Bank of Ceylon Plc (COMB) other banking stocks too got the investor attention. CSE turnover was boosted to massive 9.55 billion rupees mainly due to COMB deal. ASI was up by 41.59 points to close at 4300.39 while MPI managed to close 71.56 points higher at 4849.94.
COMB closed at Rs 254.50, up 5.25 while DFCC Bank closed at Rs 238.25, up 29.75. Hatton National Bank (HNB) was up by 9.75 to end the day at Rs 260.00. Nation Trust Bank gained four rupees to close at Rs 42.00 while National Development Bank closed at Rs 219.75, up 3.75.
Investor interest in Motor sector still going on due to yesterday’s import tax cut on vehicles. Lanka Ashok Leyland was up by hundred rupees to close at Rs 1325.00 while Diesel & Motor Engineering (DIMO) closed at Rs 605.75, up fifty five rupees. United Motors Lanka Plc the Mitsubishi vehicle importer also added eight rupees to close at Rs 143.75.
Listed consumer electronic item importers also benefited from the tax cut. ABANS Electricals Plc was up by 5.25 to close at Rs 199.75. Singer Sri Lanka Plc closed at Rs 115.00, 19.75.
Total of 86 stocks recorded gains today while 55 stocks lost their value. Foreigners were net buyers with huge margin as they purchased stocks valued Rs 6.21 billion rupees & sold stocks valued Rs 1.74 billion. According to the brokers the COMB stake was acquired by a foreign investor.