CSE edges down, ends four-session rally amid profit taking

Wednesday, 12 August 2026 05:37 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market yesterday ended a four-session streak of gains closing in the red amid profit taking.

With 104 counters closing red against 95 in green, the ASPI inched down 0.07% or 14.67 points to 21,402.80 and the S&P SL20 was down 0.04% or 2.35% at 5,983.14.

Market turnover was over Rs. 1.5 billion on over 47.1 million shares traded and foreign investors were net sellers on a net outflow of Rs. 356.2 million.

Top contributors to the ASPI decline were CINS, DIAL, JKH, SDB and CTHR while positive contributions came from HNB, RICH, MELS, CINS.X and CARS.

First Capital Research said after trading positively during the session, the market reversed course amid profit-taking following the recent gains. Low participation from both HNW and retail investors also contributed to the subdued market activity. The capital goods sector led the daily turnover with a share of 21%, followed by the telecommunication, and diversified financials sectors collectively contributing 29%.

NDB Securities said high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Dialog Axiata, Asiri Hospital Holdings and R I L Property. Mixed interest was observed in Sierra Cables, Commercial Credit & Finance and Sampath Bank whilst retail interest was noted in Waskaduwa Beach Resort, Browns Investments and Asia Siyaka Commodities.

The capital goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover due to Hemas Holdings) whilst the sector index edged up by 0.05%. The share price of Hemas Holdings recorded a loss of 10 cents to close at Rs. 31.10.

The telecommunication services sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover due to Dialog Axiata whilst the sector index decreased by 0.93%. Dialog Axiata ended 40 cents down at at Rs. 44.30.

Asiri Hospital Holdings, RIL Property PLC and Commercial Credit and Finance were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. Asiri Hospital Holdings lost Rs. 1.50 to close at Rs. 34.30., RIL Property PLC moved down 30 cents to Rs. 25.60 and Commercial Credit and Finance declined 50 cents to close at Rs. 108.