CSE begins new week marginally negative

Tuesday, 22 April 2025 01:12 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market yesterday began a fresh week marginally negative amidst low turnover.

The benchmark ASPI declined by 17 points or 0.1% and the active S&P SL20 by 3 points. Turnover was Rs. 1.16 billion involving 42.3 million shares.

First Capital said the Bourse started the fresh week off on a positive note as the ASPI surged in the early hours, remaining within the green zone, followed by a shift after midday, to ultimately close in the red. The ASPI dropped 17 points, marking a 0.11% decrease to close at 15,600.

HAYL, LION, JKH, DIPD and TJL emerged as the top negative contributors to the index. Investor activity picked up during today’s session as the holiday season drew its close, driven mainly by retail investors whilst HNW participation remained low. The banking sector showed a notable recovery, in contrast to its performance in recent sessions, contributing significantly to overall market turnover. The banking sector was the most significant contributor to the turnover with a 24% share, followed by the Diversified Financials, and Food, Beverage and Tobacco sectors jointly contributing 39%. Foreign investors turned net buyers, with a net inflow of Rs. 5.2 million.

NDB Securities said high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in DFCC Bank, Lanka IOC and Hatton National Bank. Mixed interest was observed in Sampath Bank, Commercial Credit and Finance and Sunshine Holdings whilst retail interest was noted in Co-Operative Insurance Company, Hela Apparel Holdings and LOLC Finance.

The banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Sampath Bank and Hatton National Bank) whilst the sector index lost 0.17%. The share price of Sampath Bank increased by 25 cents to Rs. 111. The share price of Hatton National Bank closed flat at Rs. 299.

The Diversified Financials sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Commercial Credit and Finance) whilst the sector index increased by 0.73%. The share price of Commercial Credit and Finance gained Rs. 1.60 (2.46%) to Rs. 66.60. Lanka IOC and Sunshine Holdings were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Lanka IOC moved up by Rs. 5 to Rs. 131. The share price of Sunshine Holdings declined by 10 cents to

Rs. 21.90.

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