The Colombo Stock Exchange ended Monday’s trading session on a down note, according to data from the exchange’s website. The All Share Index fell by 1.60 percent, or 187.25 points, closing at 11,539, while the more liquid S&P SL20 Index decreased by 2.11 percent, or 72.32 points, finishing at 3,356.
Turnover was recorded at 678 million, marking one of the lowest figures of the year.
Hayleys Plc played a significant role in the turnover, contributing Rs92 million, with its share price closing at 100.00. Despite the downturn, Hayleys has continued to attract interest, noted Softlogic Stockbrokers.
In response to the extension of the vehicle import ban, there was some buying interest in companies linked to the vehicle sector. This was evident in the trading of People’s Leasing & Finance Plc (down to 12.00), Vallibel Finance Plc (down to 40.90), LOLC Finance Plc (unchanged at 6.00), and Lanka IOC Plc (down to 118.00). Investors may be anticipating potential long-term gains once the ban is lifted, leading to some bargain hunting.
Sunshine Holdings Plc saw foreign buying, with its share closing down at 60.90. In contrast, ACL Cables PLC’s subsidiary, Cable Solutions Ltd, is set for its initial public offering Today (23), while ACL Cables PLC experienced foreign selling, closing down at 82.10.
Top contributors to the ASPI included Colombo Fort Land and Building Plc (up to 29.90), Amana Takaful Plc (up to 11.50), and Tokyo Cement Company (Lanka) Plc (up to 48.90). The market witnessed a net foreign outflow of 2.2 million.