Sri Lanka Stocks Close Down 0.4-pct Ahead of Budget

MONETABRIEF – Sri Lanka stocks closed down 0.4 percent Wednesday, Colombo Stock Exchange provisional data showed, ahead of the budget, as investors took profits after recent gains.

The Colombo All Share Index closed down points at 22,032.93 points, falling -0.41 percent.

The S&P SL 20 index of more liquid stocks closed down -19.12 points at 6,349.00 points.

Sri Lanka stocks had seen strong upward momentum over previous days.

On Wednesday, investors locked in recent profits, resulting in a lower market finish.

On Wednesday 75 stocks advanced and 149 declined.

Dialog Axiata PLC closed at 121 rupees down -5.50 rupees.

Abans Electricals PLC closed at 1,018 rupees down -29.25 rupees.

Carbon Cumberbatch PLC closed at 705 rupees down -6.75 rupees.

Hatton National Bank PLC closed at 410 rupees down – 5.00 rupees.

Nations Trust Bank PLC closed at 350 rupees down -2.00 rupees.

Seylan Bank PLC closed at 101 rupees down -1.50 rupees.

ACL Cables PLC closed at 102 rupees down -2.00 rupees.

Colombo Fort Investment PLC closed at 308 rupees down -11.00 rupees.

Commercial Credit And Finance PLC closed at 102 down -2.25 rupees.