CSE begins new week on positive note

Tuesday, 19 August 2025 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market yesterday began a fresh week on a positive note, with improved investor activity.

The benchmark ASPI gained by 252.16 points or 1.25% and the active S&P SL20 by 1.74%. Turnover was Rs. 7.74 billion involving 247.65 million shares.

However, foreign investors remained net sellers with a net outflow of Rs. 13.7 million.

First Capital said the Colombo Stock Exchange yesterday experienced a day of increased investor activity and positive sentiment with the ASPI maintaining steady upward strides and closing at 20,471. This depicts a 1.25% increase marked by 252 points. The index experienced steadfast gains and withheld its positive trajectory throughout the trading session.

The top positive contributors for the day were COMB, CARS, MELS, JKH and DFCC. Yesterday’s rally was predominantly driven by retail investors, closely followed by significant participation from HNW investors, following the release of quarterly earnings that reflected solid gains.

Turnover for the day amounted to Rs. 7.7 billion, marking a 21% increase from the monthly average of around Rs. 6.4 billion. The banking sector dominated turnover, contributing 28%, followed by the Diversified Financial and Capital Goods sectors with a combined contribution of 34%.

NDB Securities said high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Cable Solutions, Sampath Bank, and Digital Mobility Solutions Lanka. Mixed interest was observed in Hatton National Bank, Lanka Ventures and Commercial Bank, whilst retail interest was noted in SMB Leasing nonvoting, Citrus Leisure and Waskaduwa Beach Resort.

The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Hatton National Bank, Commercial Bank and Hatton National Bank nonvoting), whilst the sector index gained 2.56%. The share price of Hatton National Bank increased by Rs. 5.75 to close at Rs. 385.50. The share price of Commercial Bank moved up by Rs. 7.75 to close at Rs. 189. The share price of Hatton National Bank nonvoting appreciated by Rs. 8.75 to close at Rs. 313.

The diversified Financial sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover, whilst the sector index increased by 0.18%.

LVL Energy Fund Ltd., and Digital Mobility Solutions Lanka were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of LVL Energy Fund Ltd., gained 60 cents to close at Rs. 9.90. The share price of Digital Mobility Solutions Lanka recorded a loss of Rs. 4 to close at Rs. 114.25.