CSE closes marginally down in volatile session

Thursday, 20 November 2025 03:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market yesterday closed marginally down after a volatile session driven by sharp selling pressure in early trading.

The benchmark ASPI closed down 0.09%, losing 21.80 points to 23,029.86 and the active S&P SL20 index ended 0.23% lower, down 14.96 points to 6,361.58.

Turnover was over Rs. 3.8 billion on nearly 125.41 shares traded. Foreign investors remained net sellers with a net outflow of Rs. 4.7 million.

First Capital Research said following the previous session’s trend, the Colombo Bourse opened yesterday on a weaker note, with the ASPI dipping during early trading before partially recovering in the latter half of the session. Despite the rebound, the index closed in negative territory.

Retail and HNW participation remained comparatively muted throughout the day. Notably, investor interest was elevated on JFP during its first day of trading. COMB, DIAL, DOCK, DFCC, and NDB were the major negative contributors to the index.

The Materials sector led market activity, accounting for 26% of total turnover, while the Capital Goods and Banking sectors collectively contributed 38%.

NDB Securities said the market decline was a result of price losses in counters such as Commercial Bank, Dialog Axiata and Colombo Dockyard.

High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in CIC Holdings, Vallibel One and Hemas Holdings. Mixed interest was observed in John Keells Holdings, Sampath Bank and hSenid Business Solutions whilst retail interest was noted in JF Packaging Limited, Renuka Agri Foods and Browns Investments.

The Materials sector was the top contributor to the market turnover due to JF Packaging Limited and CIC Holdings while the sector index lost 0.44%. The share price of JF Packaging increased by Rs. 3.50 to close at Rs. 15.10 and CIC Holdings lost 40 cents to close at Rs. 33.

Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover due to John Keells Holdings and Hayleys, with the sector index edging up 0.09%. The share price of John Keells Holdings moved up by 10 cents to Rs. 22.70 and Hayleys closed flat at Rs. 195.

hSenid Business Solutions was also included amongst the top turnover contributors with the share appreciating by Rs. 1.20 to close at Rs. 18.20.