CSE down sharp 1.07% on Mideast conflict concerns

Tuesday, 14 July 2026 06:24 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market opened the week down sharply weighed by concerns over the resumption of the Middle East war.

With losers outnumbering gainers as 178 counters closed in red against 41 in green, the ASPI ended down 1.07% or 233.18 points at 21,532.38 and the S&P SL20 was down 0.91% or 55.27 points at 6,022.19.

Market turnover was over Rs. 1 billion on over 79.7 million shares traded. Foreign investors continued to be net sellers on a net outflow of nearly Rs. 56 million.

CTHR, COMB, SAMP, MELS and HNB contributed most to the ASPI decline while BUKI, RICH, BREW, SEMB and CDB made positive contributions to the main index.

First Capital Research said investor sentiment remained negative as escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continued to weigh on market confidence, prompting broad-based selling pressure.

HNW participation remained very low, while retail participation was above average. The banking sector led the daily turnover with a share of 27%, followed by the food beverage and tobacco, and capital goods sectors collectively contributing 32%.

NDB Securities said high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Melstacorp, Hatton National Bank non-voting and JAT Holdings. Mixed interest was observed in Sampath Bank, Commercial Bank and ACL Cables, whilst retail interest was noted in LVL Energy Fund, Cargills Bank and R I L Property.

The banking sector was the top contributor to market turnover due to Sampath Bank, Hatton National Bank non-voting and Commercial Bank, whilst the sector index lost 0.70%. The share price of Sampath Bank decreased by Rs. 1.50 to close at Rs. 137.25, Hatton National Bank non-voting moved down by Rs. 7.75 to Rs. 320, and Commercial Bank recorded a loss of Rs. 2.25 to close at Rs. 203.

The food, beverage and tobacco sector was the second-highest contributor to market turnover due to Melstacorp, whilst the sector index decreased by 0.64%. The share price of Melstacorp lost Rs. 2.25 to close at Rs. 183.25.