ASPI’s 20,000-point mark triggers profit-taking at CSE

Tuesday, 5 August 2025 03:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market yesterday remained in the negative mode due to profit-taking by investors, despite the ASPI briefly crossing the 20,000-point mark.

The benchmark ASPI dipped by 0.64% and the active S&P SL 20 by 0.63%. Turnover was over Rs. 4.53 billion involving 157.48 million shares.

Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net sellers with a net outflow of Rs. 8.2 million.

First Capital said the Colombo stock market faced selling pressure yesterday after the index briefly crossed the psychological 20,000 mark in early trading. However, the upward momentum was short-lived, as a wave of selling dragged the market lower. By the close of trading, the index had dropped 128 points, ending the day in the red at 19,786. Banking sector stocks and conglomerates exerted negative pressure on the index, with JKH, MELS, NDB, AEL, and BUKI emerging as the top negative contributors. Daily turnover amounted to Rs. 4.5 billion, marking a 37% decrease from the monthly average of Rs. 7.2 billion.

The Banking sector dominated turnover, contributing 30%, followed by the Capital Goods and Diversified Financial sectors with a combined contribution of 30%.

NDB Securities said the high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in John Keells Holdings, CT Land Development and Ceylon Cold Stores. Mixed interest was observed in DFCC Bank, Pan Asia Banking Corporation and Hatton National Bank whilst retail interest was noted in Industrial Asphalts, Hela Apparel Holdings and SMB Leasing.

The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to DFCC Bank, Pan Asia Banking Corporation and Hatton National Bank), whilst the sector index edged down by 0.06%. The share price of DFCC Bank gained Rs. 2.25 to close at Rs. 155.25. The share price of Pan Asia Banking Corporation closed flat at Rs. 56.90. The share price of Hatton National Bank recorded a loss of one rupee to close at Rs. 373.

The Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings and Royal Ceramics), whilst the sector index decreased by 1.71%. The share price of John Keells Holdings decreased by 70 cents to close at Rs. 23.90. The share price of Royal Ceramics appreciated by Rs. 1.20 to close at Rs. 44.

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