CSE begins month on positive note

Tuesday, 2 June 2026 00:39 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market opened the month with negative investor sentiment, closing yesterday in red.

The ASPI ended 0.21% down or 46 points at 22,695 and the active S&P SL20 closed down 0.15% or 9 points at 6,150. Market turnover was over Rs. 1.7 billion on nearly 71.02 million shares traded. Foreign investors were net sellers on a net outflow of Rs. 7.8 million.

First Capital said the Colombo bourse closed in negative territory yesterday with sentiment continuing to bear the weight of the recent CBSL rate hike, keeping investor confidence subdued.

Both HNW and retail participation remained thin. JKH, RICH, and LOLC were the top negative contributors to the ASPI for the day.

The capital goods sector led the daily turnover with a share of 17%, followed by the banking, and food beverage and tobacco sectors collectively contributing 32%.

NDB Securities said indices closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as John Keells Holdings, Richard Pieris & Company and LOLC Holdings.

A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Aitken Spence, Hatton National Bank and Dialog Axiata. Mixed interest was observed in RIL Property, HNB Finance and Royal Ceramics, whilst retail interest was noted in Hela Apparel Holdings, HNB Finance Nonvoting and HVA Foods.

Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover due to Aitken Spence, whilst the sector index lost 0.71%. The share price of Aitken Spence recorded a loss of 25 cents to close at Rs. 137.

The Banking sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover due to Hatton National Bank, whilst the sector index decreased by 0.23%. The share price of Hatton National Bank moved up by Rs. 2 to close at Rs. 397.25.

Dialog Axiata, RIL Property PLC and HNB Finance were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Dialog Axiata increased by Rs. 1.60 to close at Rs. 44.20. The share price of RIL Property PLC gained Rs. 1.80 to close at Rs. 28. The share price of HNB Finance closed flat at Rs. 9.90.