The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) commenced the week with bearish sentiments, reflected by a 1.06% drop in the benchmark ASPI and a 1.14% decline in the active S&P SL20 index. Despite the downturn, turnover remained robust at Rs. 8.5 billion, with 358.6 million shares traded.
A positive highlight was the net foreign inflow of Rs. 188.1 million during the trading session.
Market Highlights
First Capital noted that profit-taking sentiment prevailed, causing price declines across most sectors. Leading the negative contributors to the index were SAMP, COMB, CINS, RICH, and NDB. Retail investor activity increased, while high-net-worth (HNW) investor participation remained subdued.
The Banking sector dominated turnover, contributing 25%, followed by the Capital Goods and Food, Beverage, and Tobacco sectors, which collectively accounted for 41% of the day’s turnover.
Sector and Stock Performance
NDB Securities reported that HNW and institutional investors showed interest in John Keells Holdings, Digital Mobility Solutions Lanka, and Hemas Holdings. Mixed interest was seen in Browns Investments, Hatton National Bank (HNB), and Sampath Bank, while retail investors focused on Industrial Asphalts, LOLC Finance, and Beruwala Resorts.
- Banking Sector:
The sector emerged as the top contributor to turnover, driven by trades in HNB and Sampath Bank. The sector index dropped 1.94%.- HNB: Share price declined by Rs. 1.50 to close at Rs. 318.75.
- Sampath Bank: Share price fell by Rs. 3.25 to close at Rs. 114.
- Capital Goods Sector:
The sector ranked second in turnover, led by John Keells Holdings and Hemas Holdings. The sector index decreased by 0.19%.- John Keells Holdings: Share price rose marginally by Rs. 0.10 to close at Rs. 23.90.
- Hemas Holdings: Share price gained Rs. 1.50 to close at Rs. 110.
- Other Key Stocks:
Browns Investments contributed significantly to turnover, with its share price increasing by Rs. 0.20 to close at Rs. 8.
While local sentiment remained bearish, the net foreign inflow provided a silver lining for the market, sustaining investor interest in key sectors.