CSE closes up for 5th straight session, ASPI inches to new high

Friday, 22 August 2025 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market closed up for the fifth straight session yesterday, with turnover reaching Rs. 10.5 billion on a highly volatile session dominated by retail and high-net-worth investor participation.

The benchmark ASPI inched above the previous day’s record high, gaining 0.69 points to close yesterday at 20,715.49 – a new high.

The active S&P SL20 gained 3.49 points to close 0.06% higher at 6,108 points. Market turnover was Rs. 10.5 billion.

NDB Securities said the ASPI, up for the 5th straight session, edged up as a result of price gains in counters such as Dialog Axiata, Sunshine Holdings, and Royal Ceramics. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20.

Crossings were witnessed in Hatton National Bank, Sunshine Holdings, and Sampath Bank, accounting for 54.1% of the turnover.

Mixed interest was observed in Kandy Hotels Company, Ceylon Hotels Corporation, and Sierra Cables, whilst retail interest was noted in Industrial Asphalts, Lanka Credit and Business Finance, and Softlogic Capital.

Foreign participation was at subdued levels, with foreigners closing as net sellers.

The Banking sector was the top contributor to market turnover due to Hatton National Bank and Sampath Bank. The share price of Hatton National Bank decreased by Rs. 1.50 to close at Rs. 404.50, and Sampath Bank closed Rs. 1 lower at Rs. 146.

The Consumer Services sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover due to Kandy Hotels Company and Ceylon Hotels Corporation. The share price of Kandy Hotels Company moved up by Rs. 3.10 to close at Rs. 17.80, and Ceylon Hotels Corporation gained Rs. 4.30 to close at Rs. 32.60. Sunshine Holdings was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Sunshine Holdings increased by Rs. 2.80 to close at Rs. 30.30.

First Capital said the ASPI closed steady after experiencing a highly volatile trading session, underpinned by heightened investor activity as positive market sentiment continued to remain strong. The index gained upward momentum during early trading hours but saw a sharp decline as selling pressure intensified. A gradual recovery followed, supported by bargain buying, which helped the index stabilise by the end of the session.

Retail and high-net-worth investors remained notably active, pushing daily turnover to Rs. 10.5 billion, which marks a 69% increase compared to the monthly average of around Rs. 6.2 billion. The Banking sector dominated turnover, contributing 31%, followed by the Consumer Services sector at 17% and the Food, Beverage, and Tobacco sector at 16%. Foreign investors remained net sellers with a net outflow of Rs. 552.6 million.