CSE continues slide, falls 0.6% to new six-month low

Wednesday, 30 September 2026 00:05 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market continued to slide yesterday, falling to a new six-month low amidst persisting selling pressure.

The ASPI was down a sharp 0.6% or 125.97 points to 20,817.82 with losers outpacing winners 163 to 31, and the active S&P SL20 was down 0.41% or 24.32 points to 5,896.40. Top contributors to the ASPI decline were DIAL, COMB, OSEA, SINS, TKYO and CINS.

Turnover barely reached above Rs. 1 billion on nearly 70 million shares traded and foreign investors were net buyers on a net inflow of Rs. 20 million.

First Capital Research said the bourse remained under pressure, broadly in line with the previous session, as month-end margin calls continued to weigh on the market, particularly across penny stocks.

Overall investor participation remained relatively low, with limited activity from both HNW and retail investors, although retail investors continued to account for the bulk of daily market turnover.

In terms of sectoral contribution to overall turnover, the capital goods sector led the daily turnover with a 20% share, followed by the real estate management and development, and diversified financials sectors, collectively contributing 29%.

NDB Securities said high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in John Keells Holdings, Lanka Realty Investments and hSenid Business Solutions. Mixed interest was observed in York Arcade Holdings, Softlogic Capital and Sierra Cables, whilst retail interest was noted in Softlogic Finance, ACME Printing and Packaging and HNB Finance.

The capital goods sector was the top contributor to market turnover due to John Keells Holdings and Sierra Cables, whilst the sector index lost 0.22%. John Keells Holdings closed flat at Rs. 18.90 and Sierra Cables fell to 10 cents to Rs. 35.10.

The real estate sector was the second highest contributor to market turnover due to York Arcade Holdings and Lanka Realty Investments, whilst the sector index decreased by 1.95%. York Arcade Holdings ended down Rs. 2.60 at Rs. 8.50 and Lanka Realty Investments declined Rs. 1.90 to Rs. 48.90. Softlogic Capital was also included amongst the top turnover contributors with counter ending 60 cents down at Rs. 9.10.