CSE closes in red for second session

Thursday, 4 September 2025 04:50 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market closed in the red yesterday for the second straight session with investors continuing to book profits.

The benchmark ASPI closing 0.07% lower, down 14.94 points to 20,975.73 and the active S&P SL20 fell 0.38%, down 22.91 points to 6,004.70 with market turnover reaching Rs.6.47 billion involving 260.9 million shares, down from Tuesday’s turnover of Rs. 7.5 billion.

Foreign buyers remained net buyers as in the previous day with a net inflow of Rs. 53.3 million, although lower than Tuesday’s Rs. 97 million.

First Capital Research said the Colombo Stock Exchange witnessed a volatile day of trading with investors demonstrating a profit booking appetite. The ASPI edged lower as it dropped 15 points to close at 20,976.

The index showed positive movement during the early trading hours but soon came under selling pressure, pulling it lower. It later recovered, but closed below yesterday’s level, succumbing to the intraday volatility observed today.

Banks emerged as the top draggers, with HNB, NDB and COMB leading the declines, alongside RICH and JKH. Retail and HNW investors showed moderate levels of engagement which resulted in a market turnover of Rs. 6.5 billion, which is broadly on par with the monthly average that stands at Rs. 6.9 billion.

The Consumer Durables and Apparel sector led turnover contributions with a 20% share, while the Consumer Services, and Capital Goods sectors stood next in line, with a collective contribution of 31%. Foreign investors remained net buyers, recording a net inflow of Rs. 53.3 million.