The CSE yesterday kicked off on a positive note but later indicated profit- takings as most investors sold their stocks at a higher value, market analysts said.

Consequently, both indices moved downwards. The All Share Price Index went down by 69.46 points while the S and P SL20 declined by 35.42 points. Turnover stood at Rs 6.2 billion with 11 crossings.

Top seven crossings were: Hatton Plantations 8.4 million shares which crossed to the tune of 248 million and its shares traded at Rs 29.40, Laugfs Gas 3.3 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 206 million; its shares traded at Rs 62, CM Holdings 2.8 million shares crossed for Rs 200 million; its shares traded at Rs 71, Renuka Holdings four million shares crossed for Rs 150 million; its shares traded at Rs 40, Colombo Dockyards 304,000 shares crossed for Rs 96 million; its shares traded at Rs 325, Hayleys 250,000 shares crossed for Rs 48.7 million; its shares traded at Rs 195 and Digital Mobility Solutions 300,000 shares crossed for Rs 43 million; its shares traded at Rs 144.

In the retail market top seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; Colombo Dockyard Rs 642 million (1.7 million shares traded), JKH 284 million (13.5 million shares traded), Lanka Realty Investments Rs 271 million (8.4 million shares traded), Sierra Cables Rs 260 million (8.2 million shares traded), Pan Asia Bank Rs 167 million (107 million traded), Lanka IOC Rs 136 million (one million shares traded) and CM Holdings Rs 99 million (1.4 million shares traded). During the day 212 million shares volumes changed hands in 45500 transactions.

It is said that plantation sector counters performed fairly well while the manufacturing sector, especially JKH, was also significantly active in the market. Hayleys, Sierra Cables and CM Holdings performed well too.

Yesterday the rupee opened at Rs 304.25/45 to the US dollar, weaker from Rs 304.10/25 on the previous day, while bond yields dipped on the shorter tenors, particularly the 2028s, while the rest of the yield curve remained broadly steady, dealers said.

A bond maturing on 15.02.2028 was quoted at 9.12/17 percent.

A bond maturing on 15.03.2028 was quoted at 9.15/18 percent.

A bond maturing on 15.09.2029 was quoted flat at 9.65/70 percent.

A bond maturing on 15.10.2029 was quoted at 9.68/70 percent.

A bond maturing on 15.12.2029 was quoted at 9.70/73 percent.

A bond maturing on 01.07.2030 was quoted 9.75/80 percent.

A bond maturing on 15.03.2031 was quoted 10.05/10 percent.

The telegraphic transfer rates for the American dollar were; 300.5000 buying, 307.5000 selling; the British pound was 400.3678 buying, and 411.7296 selling, and the euro was 348.1821 buying, 359.5453 selling.