Quote for the day

“First if all, never play macho man in the market. Second, never overtrade. My major problem was not the number of points I lost on the trade, but that I was trading far too many contracts relative to the equity in the accounts that I handled.” - Paul Tudor Jones

LSL Market Review 31st Jan 2013

Commercial Bank and John Keells Holdings continued to attract institutional and high net worth investors with the two counters dominating today’s turnover. Retail investors seem to have settled down awaiting another bullish period. Foreign investors exiting certain companies shouldn’t be seen as a worrying issues as these shares are trading at attractive prices and local buying helps to retain future gains.

ASI dipped marginally by 9.01 points (0.15%) to close at 5,816.89 and the S&P SL20 index gained 3.98 points (0.12%) to close at 3,197.16. Turnover was 3,425.1Mn.

Top contributors to turnover were Commercial Bank with 1,609.8Mn John Keells Holdings with Rs. 1,311.5Mn and DFCC with Rs. 140.0Mn. Most active counters for the day were People’s Leasing & Finance, Pan Asia Bank and John Keells Holdings.

Notable gainers for the day were SMB Leasing up by 11.1% to close at Rs. 1.00, people’s Finance up by 7.6% to close at Rs 41.20 and Amana Takaful up by 6.3% to close at Rs. 1.70. Notable losers for the day were People Leasing & Finance down by 9.4% to close at Rs. 13.50, Citrus Waskaduwa down by 6.0% to close at Rs. 6.30 and Colonial Motors down by 4.5% to close at Rs. 145.10.

Cash Map for today was 18.45%. Foreign participation was 70% of total market turnover whilst net foreign selling was Rs. 292Mn.

Quote for the day

Everyone has the brainpower to follow the stock market. If you made it through fifth-grade math, you can do it." - Peter Lynch

LSL Market Review 30th Jan 2013

Indices closed higher helped by gains on John Keells Holdings, Commercial Bank and Nestle. The former two counters and LOLC saw tremendous institutional interest with Commercial Bank being the pick of the day. Retail activity still remains on the sideline which is seen as a period of consolidation. Yields on all three treasury bills fell further in today’s auction.

ASI gained 25.15 points (0.43%) to close at 5,825.90 and the S&P SL20 index gained 7.87 points (0.25%) to close at 3,193.63. Turnover was Rs. 2,678.7Mn.

Top contributors to turnover were Commercial Bank with Rs. 1,915.3Mn, LOLC with Rs. 372.7Mn and John Keells Holdings with Rs. 81.0Mn. Most active counters for the day were Commercial Bank, Environmental resource Investments and John Keells Holdings.

Notable gainers for the day were Citrus Waskaduwa up by 8.1% to close at Rs. 6.70, Renuka Agri up by 6.5% to close at Rs. 4.90 and Hayleys Fiber up by 5.1% to close at Rs. 34.80. Notable losers for the day were Panasian Power down by 3.6% to close at Rs. 2.70, Lanka Orix Finance down by 2.8% to close at Rs. 3.50 and Chevron Lubricants up by 1.5% to close at Rs. 215.00.

Cash map for today was 38.6% led by foreign investors. Foreign participation was 44.84% of total market turnover whilst net foreign selling was Rs. 1,426.5Mn.

Quote for the day

“There are no secrets to success: don't waste time looking for them. Success is the result of perfection, hard work, learning from failure, loyalty to those for whom you work, and persistence.” - Colin Powell

LSL Market Review 29th Jan 2013

Retail profit taking persisted today whilst foreign picked up blocks in few blue-chips. A general feeling of retail selling was seen today although this is seen as a correction as foreigners still value our blue-chips whilst reduction in interest rates are also expected in the future. Sampath Bank, LOLC and John Keells Holdings were the top picks for the foreigners today.

ASI dropped 54.24 points (0.93%) to close at 5,800.75 and the S&P SL20 index lost 8.96 points (0.28%) to close at 3,185.76. Turnover was Rs. 1,351.0Mn.

Top contributors to turnover were Sampath Bank with Rs. 428.1Mn, John Keells Holdings with Rs. 391.2Mn and LOLC with Rs. 265.7Mn. Most active counters for the day were Environmental Resource Investments, Sampath Bank and LOLC.

Notable gainers for the day were Tess Agro up by 4.2% to close at Rs. 2.50, CT Holdings up by 3.9% to close at Rs. 145.00 and ODEL up by3.6% to close at Rs. 23.00. Notable losers for the day were Kotagala Plantations down by 11.9% to close at Rs. 57.00, Lanka Aluminum down by 8.1% to close at Rs. 34.00 and Browns Beach Hotel down by 7.7% to close at Rs. 18.00.

Cash map for today was 34.22% which is an improvement from yesterday. Foreign participation was 33.34% of total market turnover whilst net foreign buying was Rs. 830.64Mn.

Quote for the day

“It is foolhardy to make a second trade, if your first trade shows you a loss. ” “Never average losses. ” Let that thought be written indelibly upon your mind.” -Jesse Livermore

LSL Market Review 28th Jan 2013

Profit taking on retail driven counters saw the broader index losing ground whilst gains on a handful of blue-chips saw the S&P SL20 index gaining marginally. Premier blue-chip John Keells Holdings dominated turnover contributing more than 72%. The counter closed marginally higher at Rs. 225.00.

ASI lost 23.10 points (0.39%) to close at 5,855.09 and the S&P SL20 index gained 4.07 points (0.13%) to close at 3,194.72. Turnover was Rs. 759.6Mn.

Top contributors to turnover were John Keells Holdings with Rs. 547.9Mn, Environmental Resource Investments with Rs. 73.8Mn and Commercial Bank with Rs. 11.8Mn. Most active counters for the day were Environmental Resource Investments, HVA Foods and John Keells Holdings.

Notable gainers for the day were Panasian Power up by 3.6% to close at Rs. 2.90, Renuka Shaw Wallace up by 3.2% to close at Rs. 19.50 and Dialog Telekom up by 2.3% to close at Rs. 8.80. Notable losers for the day were Kotagala Plantations (announced a 1 for 4 rights issue at Rs. 45.00) down by 18.3% to close at Rs. 64.00, Environmental Resource Investments (warrant – 6) down by 9.1% to close at Rs. 4.00 and C.W. Mackie down by 6.9% to close at Rs. 69.80.

Cash map for today was a disappointing 28.8%. Foreign participation was 66% of total market turnover whilst net foreign buying was Rs.22Mn.

Quote for the day

“Trading is not about being right. It is about putting money into the account. That’s it. Everything else is secondary.” -Ned Davis

LSL Weekly Report - 24th Jan 2013

Profit taking on blue-chips drove the indices lower on Monday amidst heavy retail activity on LOLC. A parcel of Environmental Resource Investments changed hands yet again today. People’s Leasing & Finance also saw renewed retail activity with the merger with its subsidiary company round the corner.

ASI lost 13.75 points (0.23%) to close at 5,862.02 and the S&P SL20 index lost 0.25 points (0.01%) to close at 3,174.42. Turnover was Rs. 899.9m.

Market rebounded on Tuesday with the help of blue-chips such as Nestle, People’s Leasing & Finance, Distilleries and few banking sector shares. Retail activity remained strong on few mid-capped counters whilst negotiated deals on Browns Investments and Commercial Bank helped to prop up the turnover. Yields on all three maturing treasury bills fell further in today’s auction which will positively impact the performance of the equity market.

ASI gained 8.91 points (0.15%) to close at 5,870.93 and the S&P SL20 index gained 10.46 points (0.33%) to close at 3,184.57. turnover was Rs. 2,096.2Mn.

The broader market index on Wednesday managed close with positive returns today mainly supported by the price appreciations in banking and finance sector counters namely LOLC (up LKR 1.20), DFCC Bank (up LKR 2.00) and National Development Bank (up LKR 1.10) namely Sampath Bank (up LKR 3.50). Commercial Bank, Peoples Leasing & Finance and Carson Cumberbatch witnessed institutional interest where almost half of the turnover was recorded from negotiated deals.

ASI gained 12.73 points (0.22%) to close at 5,883.66and the S&P SL20 index gained 7.23 points (0.23%) to close at 3,191.80.

On Friday, profit taking on selected blue-chips drove indices marginally lower ahead of a long weekend. Blue-chips dominated turnover whilst retail activity seemed calm. This slowdown in momentum is seen as slight correction with positive activity expected in the near term.

ASI dipped 5.47 points (0.09%) to close at 5,878.19 and the S&P SL20 index lost 1.15 points (0.04%) to close at 3,190.65. Turnover was Rs. 569.3m.

Top contributors to turnover were Commercial Bank with Rs. 117.1m, Sampath bank with Rs. 90.8m and Aitken Spence with Rs. 37.9m. Most active counters for the day were Environmental Resource Investments, HVA Foods and People’s Leasing & Finance.

Notable gainers for the day were Singer Sri Lanka up by 4.7% to close at Rs. 111.90, Kegalle Plantations up by 4.0% to close at Rs. 110.00 and Bairaha Farms up by 2.2% to close at Rs. 155.00. Notable losers for the day were Lanka Floor Tiles down by 4.6% to close at Rs. 60.20, People’s Leasing & Finance down by 4.4% to close at Rs. 15.40 and Free Lanka Capital Holdings down by 3.9% to close at Rs. 2.50.

Cash map was a disappointing 29.2%. Foreign participation was 29.9% of total market turnover whilst net foreign selling was Rs. 99.3m.

Analyst’s note:
Market saw retail activity picking up this week helped news of lowering interest rates. However, in the meantime foreigners have been net sellers which indicate they are making advantage of market cycles. Investors are advise to stick to value investing.

Quote for the day

“Losers quit when they fail. Winners fail until they succeed.” - Robert Kiyosaki

Quote for the day

“The good speculators always wait and have patience, waiting for the market to confirm their judgment.” -Jesse Livermore

LSL Market Review 23rd Jan 2013

The broader market index in Colombo Stock Exchange managed close with positive returns today mainly supported by the price appreciations in banking and finance sector counters namely LOLC (up LKR 1.20), DFCC Bank (up LKR 2.00), National Development Bank (up LKR 1.10) andSampath Bank (up LKR 3.50). Commercial Bank, Peoples Leasing & Finance and CarsonsCumberbatch witnessed institutional interest where almost half of the turnover was recorded from negotiated deals.

Total market turnover was LKR 1,274mn. Top contributors to turnover were Commercial Bank with LKR 630.7mn, Environmental Recourses Investments with LKR 102.9mn and Peoples Leasing and Finance with LKR 96.6mn. Heavy investor interest was seen in Environmental Recourses Investments, HVA Foods and Dankotuwa Porcelain.

ASI gained 12.73 points (0.22%) to close at 5,883.66and the S&P SL20 index gained 7.23 points (0.23%) to close at 3,191.80.

Notable gainers for the day were Pegasus Hotels up by 10.4% to close at LKR 44.50, Royal Ceramic up by 9.4% to close at LKR 109.00 and Kahawatte Plantations up by 8.5% to close at LKR 35.90.  Notable loser for the day were Environmental Recourses Investments –warrant 03 down by 9.5% to close at LKR 3.80, Environmental Recourses Investments –warrant 06 down by 8.3% to close at LKR 4.40 and Lanka Tiles down by 6.5% to close at LKR 63.50.

Cash map for today was 43.2%. Foreign participation for today was 43% of total market turnover whilst net foreign selling was LKR 239.0mn.

Quote for the day

“The market does not know you exist. You can do nothing to influence it. You can only control your behavior.” - Alexander Elder

LSL Market Review 22nd Jan 2013

Market rebounded with the help of blue-chips such as Nestle, People’s Leasing & Finance, Distilleries and few banking sector shares. Retail activity remained strong on few mid-capped counters whilst negotiated deals on Browns Investments and Commercial Bank helped to prop up the turnover.

Yields on all three maturing treasury bills fell further in today’s auction which will positively impact the performance of the equity market.

ASI gained 8.91 points (0.15%) to close at 5,870.93 and the S&P SL20 index gained 10.46 points (0.33%) to close at 3,184.57. turnover was Rs. 2,096.2Mn.

Top contributors to turnover were Browns Investments with Rs. 731.3, Commercial Bank with Rs. 715.0 and Environment Resource Investments with Rs. 141.2Mn. Most active counters for the day were Environment Resource Investments, People’s Leasing & Finance and Dankotuwa Porcelain.

Notable gainers for the day were Autodrome up by 21.7% to close at Rs. 975.00, Colombo Pharmacy up by 17.8% to close at Rs. 640.00 and Environment Resource Investments up by 11.2% to close at Rs. 18.80. Notable losers for the day were Ceylon Tea Services down by 5.9% to close at Rs. 649.00, Nation Lanka Finance down by 4.8% to close at Rs. 2.00 and Panasian Power down by 3.5% to close at Rs. 2.80.

Cash map was 50.78%. Foreign Participation was 35.4% of total turnover and net foreign selling amounted to Rs. 225.1Mn.

LSL Market Review 21st Jan 2013

Profit taking on blue-chips drove the indices lower amidst heavy retail activity on LOLC. A parcel of  Environment Resource Investments changed hands yet again today. People's  Leasing & Finance also saw renewed  retail activity with the merger with its subsidiary company around the corner.

ASI lost 13.75 points (0.23%) to close at 5,862.02 and the S & P SL20 index lost 0.25 points (0.01%) to close at 3,174.12. The turnover was Rs. 899.9Mn.

Top contributors to turnover were Environment Resource Investments with Rs. 447.3Mn, Commercial Bank with  Rs. 77.9Mn and Sampath Bank with Rs. 73.9Mn. Most active counters for the day were Environment Resource Investments, LOLC and People's  Leasing & Finance.

Notable gainers for the day were People's  Leasing & Finance up by 8.0% to close at Rs. 16.20 Stafford Hotels up by 7.4% to close at Rs. 39.00 and Environment Resource Investments up by 5.6% to close at Rs. 17.00.

Cash Map for today was 54.24% helped by bullish activity on LOLC.  Foreign participation was 37.9% of the market turnover whilst net foreign selling was Rs. 371.0Mn.

Quote for the day

"As long as you enjoy investing, you'll be willing to do the homework and stay in the game. That's why I try to make the show so entertaining, because if you aren't interested, you'll either miss the opportunity to make money in the market or not pay enough attention and end up losing your shirt." - Jim Cramer  

LSL Weekly Report -18th Jan 2013

The broader index managed to close in positive ground on Tuesday helped by gains on Ceylon Tobacco Company and John Keells Holdings. Turnover was dominated by premier blue-chip John Keells Holdings and a handful of leading banking & financial sector counters. ASI gained 3.75 points (0.07%) to close at 5,750.24 and the S&P SL20 index lost 0.97 points (0.03%) to close at 3,132.90. Turnover was Rs. 727.7Mn.

Stocks rallied on Wednesday ahead of a meeting by the members of the Monetary Board to decide on the direction of the policy rates. Investors made early celebrations as yields on the treasury bills fell in today’s auction. Foreign investor favorites Chevron Lubricants, Ceylon Tobacco Company and John Keells gained good ground to help the indices close at its highest point so far this year. The resurgence of retail investors was also welcomed as many mid-capped counters gained notably.

ASI gained 62.23 points (1.08%) to close at 5,812.47 and the S&P SL20 index gained 28.86 points (0.92%) to close at 3,163.18. Turnover was Rs. 636.2Mn.
Blue chips led by Distilleries and Sri Lanka Telecom managed to make merry at the CSE on Thursday’s trading. Retailers continued to actively participate helped by a new wave of cash inflows into the stock market. However, blue chips continued to dominate in terms of turnover.ASI jumped 62.81 points (1.08%) to close at 5,875.28 and the S&P SL20 index gained 21.43 points (0.68%) to close at 3,184.61. Turnover was Rs. 2,049.4Mn.

On Friday, profit taking on Distilleries and few banking counters whilst at the same time retail interest on mid-capped counters outweighed each other as the broader market index managed scrape onto positive ground. Commercial Bank and Distilleries continued to witness institutional interest whilst a negotiated block trade took place on Hayleys. LOLC saw its shares actively and eagerly traded by the retail segment of investors. We witnessed the market losing steam towards the end of trading whilst trading began on a relatively slow note. ASI gained 0.49 points (0.01%) to close at 5,875.77 and the S&P SL20 index lost 10.25 points (0.32%) to close at 3,174.36. Turnover for today was Rs. 789.7Mn.

Top contributors to turnover were Commercial Bank with Rs. 273.3mn, Hayleys with Rs. 72.6Mn and Distilleries with Rs. 65.1mn. Most active counters for the day were LOLC, Lanka Orix Finance and Browns Beach Hotel.Notable gainers for the day were Parquet Ceylon up by 8.9% to close at Rs. 14.70, LOLC up by 8.2% to close at Rs. 66.00 and Browns Beach Hotel up by 7.4% to close at Rs. 20.40.  Notable loser for the day were Amana Takaful down by 5.9% to close at Rs. 1.60, Mullers & Phipps down by 5.6% to close at Rs. 1.70 and Kotagala Plantations down by 4.7% to close at Rs. 75.00.Cash map for today was 37.55% which is marked drop in buying momentum. Foreign participation for today was 25.6% of total market turnover whilst net foreign buying was Rs. 154mn.

Analyst’s note
The market showed signs of a bullish trend throughout the week. Market activity was well supported active foreign buying and local institutional activity. However, investors should be wary to get caught to the herd effect and emphasize on buying shares with relative value.

Quote for the day

“Deciding when to cut your losses is one of the toughest decisions for anyone to make, but traders at the top of their game know that they always have to make the decisions they need to make, which may or may not be the ones they want to make” – Doug Hirschhorn

Foreign interest sustained as indices surge..

The All Share Index rose 129.28 points WoW to close at 5,875.77 points (2.2%), whilst the S&P SL 20 Index rose 40.49 points WoW to close at 3,174.36 points (1.3%). Indices rose mainly due to the gains made by Ceylon Tobacco (5.4% WoW), Sri Lanka Telecom (10.5% WoW), Lanka ORIX Leasing Company (10% WoW), Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka (3.8% WoW) and John Keells Holdings (0.9% WoW).

Both indices were off to a slow start but subsequently gained considerable momentum on the back of heavy local and foreign institutional interest which resulted in a jump in the YTD return to 4.1% by the end of the week. The spurt in foreign investor interest over the week may have been partly attributed to the upward revision in the World Bank’s estimates for the growth prospects for the economy. Further the declining interest rates coupled with the Central bank’s decision to keep policy rates stable raises the relative attractiveness of equity in comparison to debt securities. On this backdrop a number of large crossings were witnessed in a number of large cap counters including Commercial Bank (Voting), Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka & Aitken Spence.

Top contributors towards the week’s turnover included a number of large cap counters including Commercial Bank (Voting), Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka, John Keells Holdings & Hatton National Bank whilst a slight improvement in retail participation was witnessed during the week with counters such as Panasian Power, Seylan Merchant Bank & Richard Pieris being actively traded.

Dialog Axiata, Softlogic Holdings, Commercial Bank (Voting), Panasian Power and Seylan Merchant Bank topped the list in terms of volume traded during the week. The average daily turnover for the week was LKR1,050.7 mn whilst the average daily volume was 32.6mn shares.

Significant foreign investor interest was observed over the week with foreign purchases amounting to LKR1,986.7 mn, whilst foreign sales amounted to LKR1,685.5 mn. Market capitalisation stood at LKR2,257 bn, and the YTD performance is 4.1%.

Conclusion:

The bourse rises in value witnessing strong participation by investors across the board…….

The bourse made a fresh move this week with both the indices surging up to make gains, whilst recording commendable average daily turnover. The bourse gained 129.28 points for the week with the total market value rising by LKR48.2bn. Many counters including blue chip counters encountered several crossings with institutional and foreign interest being centered, whilst retail hunting continued on retail favourite counters. Downward trend in Treasury yields coupled with the upward revision in the country’s GDP forecast by the World Bank, would have presumably uplifted the investors’ sentiments. Whilst John

Keells Holdings remained as a hot pick of foreign investors, many other counters such as Distilleries, Lanka Milk Foods, Softlogic Holdings, and Lion Brewery also witnessed heightened foreign interest, bringing the YTD net foreign inflow to LKR481.1mn. The significant foreign inflows to the country through the equity market and the treasury market modes have strengthened the rupee against the dollar; where the LKR appreciated by 6% since 2H2012 to present.

During the week, The World Bank revised upward Sri Lanka’s GDP forecast for 2013 from 6.1 percent to 6.8 percent, but the estimate is still below the Central Bank’s estimate of 7.5 percent. Nevertheless, it stated that considering the country’s structural improvements, the future prospects of the country remains stronger than the regional peers. According to the World Bank, the developing countries so far managed to remain relatively resilient amidst the gloomy global environment. Hence, developing

countries have been given more attentions over rising the growth potential of their economies since these countries are expected to drive the future global economy growth.

Source: Asia Capital

LSL Market Review 17th Jan 2013

Blue chips led by Distilleries and Sri Lanka Telecom managed to make merry at the CSE in today’s trading. Retailers continued to actively participate helped by a new wave of cash inflows into the stock market. However, blue chips continued to dominate in terms of turnover.

ASI jumped 62.81 points (1.08%) to close at 5,875.28 and the S&P SL20 index gained 21.43 points (0.68%) to close at 3,184.61. Turnover was Rs. 2,049.4Mn.

Top contributors to turnover were Distilleries with Rs. 583.6Mn, Commercial Bank with Rs. 417.4Mn and Aitken Spence with Rs. 122.5Mn. Most active counters for the day were Central Investments & Finance, Softlogic Holdings and Laufgs Gas non-voting.

Notable gainers for the day were Lanka Milk Foods up by 14.0% to close at Rs. 122.00, Lanka IOC up by 13.1% to close at Rs. 22.50 and E.B. Creasy up by 9.7% to close at Rs. 1,097.00. Notable losers for the day were Sierra Cables down by 3.6% to close at Rs. 2.70, Asian Hotels & Properties down by 2.6% to close at Rs. 74.00 and Softlogic Holdings down by 2.2% to close at Rs. 27.20.

Cash map for today was 59.7% which is drop from yesterday. Foreign participation was 50% of total turnover whilst net foreign buying was Rs. 152.5Mn.

LSL Market Review 16th Jan 2013

Stocks rallied today ahead of a meeting by the members of the Monetary Board to decide on the direction of the policy rates. Investors made early celebrations as yields on the treasury bills fell in today’s auction. Foreign investor favourites Chevron Lubricants, Ceylon Tobacco Company and John Keells gained good ground to help the indices close at its highest point so far this year. The resurgence of retail investors was also welcomed as many mid-capped counters gained notably.

ASI gained 62.23 points (1.08%) to close at 5,812.47 and the S&P SL20 index gained 28.86 points (0.92%) to close at 3,163.18. Turnover was Rs. 636.2Mn.

Top contributors to turnover were John Keells Holdings with Rs. 165.9Mn, Softlogic Holdings with Rs. 78.5Mn and Ceylon Tobacco Company with Rs. 56.9Mn. Most active counters for the day were

Softlogic Holdings, Central Investments & Finance and Citrus Leisure warrant- 19.

Notable gainers for the day were Softlogic Holdings up by 12.8% to close at Rs. 13.20, Sierra Cables up by 12.0% to close at Rs. 2.80 and Blue Diamonds non-voting up by 11.8% to close at Rs. 1.90.

Notable losers for the day were Panasian Power down by 3.3% to close at Rs. 2.90, C.W. Mackie down by 2.0% to close at Rs. 74.00 and Durdans Hospitals down by 1.4% to close at Rs. 70.00.

Cash map for today was a overwhelming 71.53%. Foreign participation was 33% of total market turnover whilst net foreign buying was Rs. 112Mn.

LSL Market Review 15th Jan 2013

The broader index managed to close in positive ground helped by gains on Ceylon Tobacco Company and John Keells Holdings. Turnover was dominated by premier blue-chip John Keells Holdings and a handful of leading banking & financial sector counters.

ASI gained 3.75 points (0.07%) to close at 5,750.24 and the S&P SL20 index lost 0.97 points (0.03%) to close at 3,132.90. Turnover was Rs. 727.7Mn.

Top contributors to turnover were Commercial Bank with Rs. 258.6Mn, John Keells Holdings with Rs. 182.6Mn and Sampath Bank with Rs. 62.9Mn. Most active counters for the day were Panasian Power, John Keells Holdings and Commercial Bank.

Notable gainers for the day were Ceylon Tobacco Company up by 2.7% to close at Rs. 875.00, Sinhaputhra Finance up by 2.5% to close at Rs. 83.00 and Central Finance up by 1.9% to close at Rs. 180.00. Notable losers for the day were CT Land down by 5.9% to close at Rs. 24.00, Shaw Wallace down by 5.1% to close at Rs. 260.00 and Capital Partners down by 4.6% to close at Rs. 50.00.

Cash map for today was 40.55%. Foreign participation was 55% of total market turnover whilst net foreign buying was Rs. 190.6Mn.

Quote for the day

"It never was my thinking that made big money for me. It was always my sitting. Got that? My sitting tight!" – Jesse Livermore

Quote for the day

"A man would do nothing, if he waited until he could do it so well that no one would find fault with what he has done." -  Cardinal Newman

LSL Weekly Report - 11th Jan 2013

Market closed marginally lower on Monday although premier blue chip John Keells Holdings gained around 1.3%. Losses on Bukit Darah, Hatton National Bank, Commercial Bank saw the indices driven lower whilst foreign investor favourites Nestle, Chevron Lubricants and Lion Brewery gained further ground. Blue-chips continued to dominate turnover with retail activity slowing down.

Power and energy sector gained 1.3% to reflect the improved hydro electricity generation currently taking place in the country. Chemicals & pharmaceuticals sector lost most ground with CIC Holdings closing lower at Rs. 64.00. 

ASI dipped 1.62 points (0.03%) to close at 5,746.09 and the S&P SL20 index dipped 1.67 points (0.05%) to close at 3,120.04. Turnover was Rs. 557.5Mn.

Indices closed higher on Tuesday as Ceylon Tobacco Company dropped from its all-time high price and John Keells Holdings gained more than 0.6% whilst LOLC also gained more than 7% during a late rally. Asiri Central dominated turnover with a negotiated deal which accounted to almost 50% of the day’s turnover. Apart from that deal, blue-chips continued to dominate proceedings with plenty of private deals.

ASI gained 5.84 points (0.10%) to close at 5,751.93 and the S&P SL20 index gained 3.93 points (0.13%) to close at 3,123.97. Turnover was Rs. 1,273.6Mn.

On Wednesday, profit taking on many blue-chips during late trading caused the indices to lose marginally. However, yields on treasury bills fell further in today’s auction which will help to improve the condition of the stock market. Private deals on Asiri Hospitals and related parties transacted today as well whilst a Dialog saw selling pressure towards the close of trading.

ASI dropped 6.83 points (0.12%) to close at 5,745.10 and the S&P SL20 index lost 3.10 points (0.10%) to close at 2,120.87. Turnover was Rs. 497.2Mn.

Profit taking on John Keells Holdings and Banking sector stocks sent the broader index into negative territory on Thursday but Distilleries saw continued interest from retail and as well as institutional investors. Retail participation continued to be muted whilst private deals on blue-chips helped to bolster turnover. 

ASI lost 12.89 points (0.22%) to close at 5,732.21 and the S&P SL20 index gained 0.66 points (0.02%) to close at 3,121.53 Turnover was Rs. 1,013.1Mn.

Indices managed to close higher on Friday helped by gains on Sri Lanka Telecom, Distilleries and few banking sector counters. Profit taking was evident on John Keells Holdings which has consistently gained ground during the past few weeks. Retail interest was seen picking up today as accumulation was seen on many mid-capped counters. 

ASI gained 14.28 points (0.25%) to close at 5,746.49 and the S&P SL20 index gained 12.34 points (0.40%) to close at 3,133.87. Turnover was Rs. 454.2Mn.

Top contributors to turnover were John Keells Holdings with Rs. 79.3Mn, Distilleries with Rs. 56.3Mn and Commercial Bank with Rs. 33.6Mn. Most active counters for the day were Environment Resource Investments, Distilleries and Environment Resource Investments warrant-6.

Notable gainers for the day were Hayleys Exports up by 8.6% to close at Rs. 34.00, Lanka Milk Foods up by 8.0% to close at Rs. 100.00 and Panasian Power up by 3.5% to close at Rs. 3.00. Notable losers for the day 
were Dipped Products down by 3.7% to close at Rs. 105.00, Central Industries down by 2.1% to close at Rs. 67.00 and Royal Ceramics down by 1.9% to close at Rs. 96.10.

Cash map for today was 56.15% which is slight drop from yesterday. Foreign participation was 30% of total market turnover whilst net foreign selling was Rs. 14Mn.

LSL Market Review 11th Jan 2013

Indices managed to close higher helped by gains on Sri Lanka Telecom, Distilleries and few banking sector counters. Profit taking was evident on John Keells Holdings which has consistently gained ground during the past few weeks. Retail interest was seen picking up today as accumulation was seen on many mid-capped counters.

ASI gained 14.28 points (0.25%) to close at 5,746.49 and the S&P SL20 index gained 12.34 points (0.40%) to close at 3,133.87. Turnover was Rs. 454.2Mn.

Top contributors to turnover were John Keells Holdings with Rs. 79.3Mn, Distilleries with Rs. 56.3Mn and Commercial Bank with Rs. 33.6Mn. Most active counters for the day were Environment Resource Investments, Distilleries and Environment Resource Investments warrant-6.

Notable gainers for the day were Hayleys Exports up by 8.6% to close at Rs. 34.00, Lanka Milk Foods up by 8.0% to close at Rs. 100.00 and Panasian Power up by 3.5% to close at Rs. 3.00. Notable losers for the day were Dipped Products down by 3.7% to close at Rs. 105.00, Central Industries down by 2.1% to close at Rs. 67.00 and Royal Ceramics down by 1.9% to close at Rs. 96.10.

Cash map for today was 56.15% which is slight drop from yesterday. Foreign participation was 30% of total market turnover whilst net foreign selling was Rs. 14Mn.

Quote for the day

“If you have trouble imagining a 20% loss in the stock market, you shouldn't be in stocks.” 

- John (Jack) Bogle

LSL Market Review 10th Jan 2013

Profit taking on John Keells Holdings and Banking sector stocks sent the broader index into negative territory but Distilleries saw continued interest from retail and as well as institutional investors. Retail participation continued to be muted whilst private deals on blue-chips helped to bolster turnover.

ASI lost 12.89 points (0.22%) to close at 5,732.21 and the S&P SL20 index gained 0.66 points (0.02%) to close at 3,121.53 Turnover was Rs. 1,013.1Mn.

Top contributors to turnover were Hatton National Bank with Rs. 257.9Mn, Distilleries with Rs. 188.2Mn and John Keells Holdings with Rs. 160.3Mn. Most active counters for the day were LOLC, Free Lanka Capital Holdings and Nation Lanka Finance.

Notable gainers for the day were Raigam Wayamba Salt up by 3.9% to close at Rs. 2.70, Colonial Motors up by 3.5% to close at Rs. 150.00 and Nawaloka Hospitals up by 3.3% to close at Rs. 3.10. Notable losers for the day were Orient Finance down by 9.5% to close at Rs. 15.30, Kelani Valley Plantations down by 4.6% to close at Rs. 81.00 and Chilaw Finance down by 1.4% to close at Rs. 14.10.

Cash map for today was 41.55% which is an improvement from yesterday. Foreign participation was 60% of total market turnover whilst net foreign inflow was Rs. 139.5Mn.

Quote for the day

“Trade like a mercenary guerrilla. We must fight on the winning side and be willing to change sides readily when one side has gained the upper hand.” - Dennis Gartman

LSL Market Review 09th Jan 2013

Profit taking on many blue-chips during late trading caused the indices to lose marginally. The Relative Strength Index was at an overbought situation as at yesterday. However yields on treasury bills fell further in today’s auction which will help to improve the condition of the stock market.

Private deals on Asiri Hospitals and related parties transacted as well whilst a Dialog saw selling pressure towards the close of trading.

ASI dropped 6.83 points (0.12%) to close at 5,745.10 and the S & P SL20 index lost 3.10 points (0.10%) to close at 2,120.87. The turnover was Rs. 497.2Mn

Top contributors to turnover were Dialog Axiata with Rs. 111.0Mn, Asiri Hospitals Holdings with Rs. 52.7Mn and Ceylon Theatres with Rs. 34.3Mn. Most active counters for the day were LOLC, Dialog Axiata and Laufgs Gas non-voting.

Notable gainers for the day were Odel up by 7.8% to close at Rs. 22.00, Laufgs Gas up by 3.4% to close at Rs. 27.80 and Distilleries up by 2.9% to close at Rs. 170.00. Notable losers for the day were Touchwood Investments down by 3.2% to close at Rs. 9.00, HVA Foods down by 2.2% to close at Rs. 13.30 and Nation Lanka finance down by 1.9% to close at Rs. 10.40.

Cash Map for today was 23.3% which was adversely impacted by the sell down in Dialog Axiata. Foreign participation was 31% of the market turnover whilst net foreign selling was Rs. 31Mn.

Quote for the day

“You can never predict when that unknown torpedo will come out of the dark and smash the price of a stock.”  - Ralph Seger

LSL Market Review 08th Jan 2013

Indices closed higher as Ceylon Tobacco Company dropped from its all-time high price and John Keells Holdings gained more than 0.6% whilst LOLC also gained more than 7% during a late rally. Asiri Central dominated turnover with a negotiated deal which accounted almost 50% of the day's turnover. Apart from the deal, blue-chips continued to dominate proceedings with plenty of private deals.

ASI gained 5.84 points(0.10%) to close at 5,751.93 and the S&P SL20 index gained 3.93 points(0.13%) to close at 3,123.97. Turnover was Rs. 1,273.6Mn.

Top contributors to turnover were Asiri Central with Rs. 562.5Mn, Commercial Bank with Rs. 254.1Mn and John Keells Holdings with Rs. 155.1Mn. Most active counters for the day were John keells Holdings, LOLC and Laufs Gas non-voting.

Notable gainers for the day were Kahawatte Plantations up by 9.0% to close at Rs. 36.50, LOLC up by 7.3% to close at Rs. 60.00 and Mullers & Pipps up by 5.9% to close at Rs. 1.80. Notable losers for the day were Amaya Leisure down by 4.8% to close at Rs. 80.00, NDB Capital Holdings down by 4.2% to close at rs. 500.00 and environmental Resource Investments down by 2.5% to close at Rs. 15.40.

Cash Map for today was 44.65%. foreign participation was 53% of total market turnover whilst net foreign outflow was Rs. 409Mn.

Quote for the day

”The answer to the question of whether trading can be taught has to be an unqualified yes. Anyone with average intelligence can learn to trade. This is not rocket science.” 

- William Eckhardt

LSL Market Review 07th Jan 2013

Market closed marginally lower although premier blue chip John Keells Holdings gained around 1.3%. Losses on Bukit Darah, Hatton National Bank, Commercial Bank saw the indices driven lower whilst foreign investor favourites Nestle, Chevron Lubricants and Lion Brewery gained further ground. Blue-chips continued to dominate turnover with retail activity slowing down.

Power and energy sector gained 1.3% to reflect the improved hydro electricity generation currently taking place in the country. Chemicals & pharmaceuticals sector lost most ground with CIC Holdings closing lower at Rs. 64.00.

ASI dipped 1.62 points (0.03%) to close at 5,746.09 and the S&P SL20 index dipped 1.67 points (0.05%) to close at 3,120.04. Turnover was Rs. 557.5Mn.

Top contributors to turnover were John Keells Holdings with Rs. 218.3Mn, Commercial Bank with Rs. 94.1Mn and Aitken Spence with Rs. 44.0Mn.

Most active counters for the day were Panasian Power, People’s Leasing & Finance and Free Lanka Capital Holdings.

Notable gainers for the day were Durdans Hospitals up by 13.6% to close at Rs. 104.50, Malwatte Plantations up by 6.4% to close at Rs. 5.00 and Janashakthi Insurance up by 5.5% to close at Rs. 11.50. Notable losers for the day were Kandy Hotels down by 5.1% to close at Rs. 9.40, Royal Ceramics down by 4.0% to close at Rs. 95.00 and Free Lanka Capital Holdings down by 3.7% to close at Rs. 2.60.

Cash map for today was 61.55% driven mainly by institutional investors. Foreign participation was 40.3% of total market turnover whilst net foreign buying stood at Rs. 199.2Mn.

Quote for the day

“The philosophy of the rich and the poor is this: the rich invest their money and spend what is left. The poor spend their money and invest what is left.”- Robert Kiyosaki

Quote for the day

"Taking higher risks, such as borrowing to invest or investing in shares rather that interest-bearing securities, should, over time, magnify your returns." - Paul Clitheroe

Quote for the day

"Successful investing is anticipating the anticipations of others." 
- John Maynard Keynes 

LSL - Market Review 03rd Jan 2013

Positive momentum was seen today with retailers increasing their presence. Gains on Ceylon Tobacco Company helped to bolster the indices whilst Hatton National Bank and John Keells Holdings contributed well to today’s turnover. People’s Leasing & Finance attracted retail interest as a merger with its subsidiary is round the corner.
 
ASI gained 46.66 points (0.82%) to close at 5,730.45 and the S&P SL20 index gained 13.37 points (0.43%) to close at 3,104.25. Turnover was Rs. 518.6Mn.
 
Top contributors to turnover were Hatton National Bank with Rs. 132.3Mn, John Keells Holdings with Rs. 94.9Mn and Nation Lanka Finance with Rs. 22.3Mn. Most active counters for the day were Nation Lanka Finance, Swarnamahal Financial Services and Central Investments & Finance.
 
Notable gainers for the day were Environmental Resource Holdings warrant-6 up by19.1% to close at Rs. 5.00, Environmental Resource Holdings warrant-3 up by 17.5% to close at Rs. 4.70 and NDB Capital Holdings up by 11.6% to close at Rs. 549.80. Notable losers for the day were Capital Alliance Finance down by 23.8% to close at Rs. 20.20, Nation Lanka Finance down by 8.3% to close at Rs. 2.20 and Tess Agro down by 3.9% to close at Rs. 2.50.
 
Cash map was 50.48% which is lower than yesterday’s. Foreign participation was 20% of total market turnover whilst net foreign outflow was Rs. 105Mn.

Quote for the day

“Virtually every successful trader I know ultimately ended up with a trading style suited to his personality.” -Randy McKay

LSL - Market Review 02nd Jan 2013

The year started on a strong note as a further reduction in yields of treasury bills helped to create excitement. Retail activity picked up today which helped to boost sentiment to some extent whilst institutional interest on Commercial Bank bolstered turnover. Commercial Bank contributed 85.3% of total market turnover. Indices closed higher helped by a late surge in retail participation as the All Share Price Index was in negative territory in early trading. Whilst a positive trend could be expected, we encourage investors to base their buying decisions on the fundamentals and prospects of the company.

ASI gained 40.79 points (0.72%) to close at 5,683.79, S&P SL20 index gained 5.55 points (0.18%) to close at 3,090.88. Turnover was Rs. 1,677.0Mn.

Top contributors to turnover were Commercial Bank with Rs. 1,431.3Mn, Nation Lanka Finance with Rs. 33.6Mn and Asia Asset Finance with Rs. 12.6Mn. Most active counters were Nation Lanka Finance, Asia Asset Finance and Central Finance & Investments.

Notable gainers for the day were Central Finance & Investments up by 18.2% to close at Rs. 5.20, Nation Lanka Finance up by 15.3% to close at Rs. 11.30 and NDB Capital up by 14.4% to close at Rs. 498.90. Notable losers for the day were Citrus Hikkaduwa down by 7.1% to close at Rs. 22.10, Amana Takaful down by 5.6% to close at Rs. 1.70 and Tokyo Cement down by 2.1% to close at Rs. 28.00.

Cash map for today was 61.13%. Foreign participation was 85% of total market turnover whilst net foreign selling was Rs. 17.2Mn.