ASPI and S&P SL20 both close lower amid broad-based selling, while turnover rebounds despite falling below monthly average
The Colombo Stock Exchange closed lower on Tuesday, with both benchmark indices extending recent declines as selling pressure spread across multiple sectors.
Stock Market Summary
The All Share Price Index (ASPI) fell 118.35 points, or 0.54%, to close at 21,962.30. The S&P SL20 index, which tracks the top 20 liquid counters, declined 31.55 points, or 0.51%, to settle at 6,135.50.
Daily turnover rose to LKR 1.54 billion, up 13.4% from the previous session, though it remained 27.2% below the monthly average of LKR 2.1 billion. Trading volume climbed to 57.72 million shares, a 38.2% increase.
The Capital Goods sector led turnover with a 31% share, while the Retailing and Materials sectors together contributed 22%. Market capitalisation stood at LKR 7,961.43 billion, down 0.6%.
Foreign investors remained net sellers for the session, recording an outflow of LKR 185.1 million against inflows of LKR 36.56 million. Top gainers included HOPL, TSML, ECL, CABO and LPRT, while ASPH, TESS, SHL, MBSL and SCAP led decliners.
Fixed Income Summary
The government securities yield curve was broadly unchanged. Short-tenor 2028 maturities saw modest buying interest from domestic banks, pushing yields down by approximately 5 basis points. Longer-dated 2030 maturities drew renewed foreign buying interest, with the 15.10.2030 bond trading steady at 11.30%.
Banking system liquidity expanded marginally to LKR 134.77 billion from LKR 132.29 billion in the prior session.
Currency Market Update
The Sri Lankan rupee appreciated against the US dollar, trading at LKR 334.95 compared to LKR 335.26 previously.
Business Impact
Continued foreign selling in equities, alongside steady foreign interest in longer-dated government securities, points to a split in sentiment between asset classes. Businesses with import exposure may find some relief in the rupee’s modest strengthening, though the move remains too small to signal a durable trend. Turnover below the monthly average suggests investor caution persists heading into the coming sessions.
What to Watch Next
Market participants will watch whether foreign selling in equities stabilises, and whether buying interest in the 2030 tenor of government securities extends further along the yield curve.
Key Numbers
| Metric | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|
| ASPI | 21,962.30 | -118.35 (-0.54%) |
| S&P SL20 | 6,135.50 | -31.55 (-0.51%) |
| Turnover | LKR 1,536.55Mn | +13.4% |
| Volume | 57.72Mn shares | +38.2% |
| Foreign Net Flow | -LKR 185.1Mn | Net selling |
| Market Cap | LKR 7,961.43Bn | -0.6% |
| USD/LKR | 334.95 | Appreciated from 335.26 |
| Banking Liquidity | LKR 134.77Bn | Up from LKR 132.29Bn |
Source Attribution
Source: Colombo Stock Exchange market data, Central Bank of Sri Lanka statistics and publicly available market information.