Bear run at Colombo stock market persists; ASPI dips below 17,000-points mark

Friday, 20 June 2025 00:10 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The external factors-influenced bear run at the Colombo stock market persisted yesterday with the benchmark index dipping below the 17,000-points mark.

The ASPI was down by 1.5% or 253 points to close at 16,818 points. The active S&P SL20

also dipped by 1.5%. Turnover was Rs. 3.3 billion involving 139.3 million shares.

First Capital said negative sentiment continued to dominate the Colombo Bourse, carrying over into yesterday’s session amid subdued investor activity, which resulted in lower volumes and turnover. The ASPI experienced a steady decline, which means the first time in two weeks that the index has fallen below the 17,000 mark.

Key negative contributors to the index included LOLC, JKH, CTC, NDB, and COMB. Retail investors engaged in moderate selling, while HNW investor participation remained subdued. Turnover was 36% below the monthly average. The Banking sector led today’s turnover, contributing 26%, followed by the Capital Goods, and Diversified Financials sectors, jointly accounting for 33%. Foreign investors remained net buyers, with a net inflow of Rs. 77.7 million.

NDB Securities said the high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Central Finance Company, People’s Leasing & Finance and Commercial Bank. Mixed interest was observed in Hatton National Bank, Sampath Bank and Lanka IOC whilst retail interest was noted in Browns Investments, Nation Lanka Finance and Industrial Asphalts.

The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Commercial Bank, Hatton National Bank and Sampath Bank) whilst the sector index lost 1.43%.

The share price of Commercial Bank decreased by Rs. 1.75 to Rs. 149.75. The share price of Hatton National Bank lost Rs. 2.50 to Rs. 315. The share price of Sampath Bank moved down by one Rupee to Rs. 119.

The Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover whilst the sector index decreased by 1.52%. Central Finance Company and Lanka IOC were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Central Finance Company recorded a loss of Rs. 4 to Rs. 228. The share price of Lanka IOC declined by 25 cents to Rs. 137.

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