CSE edges up ending two-day slump

Thursday, 18 June 2026 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market reversed a two-day slump yesterday to end marginally on the up.

Despite 95 counters closing in green against 134 that ended in red, the benchmark ASPI ended up a marginal 0.04% or 8.62 points to 22,385.91 and the S&P SL20 fell 0.17% down 10.60 points to 6,210.72.

CTHR, LION, HAYL, SPEN and SDB were the top positive contributors to the ASPI with DIAL, JKH, LOLC, CINS and HNB weighing down the index.

Turnover was over Rs. 2.56 billion on over 107 million shares traded. Foreign investors emerged as net sellers on a net outflow of nearly Rs. 12.2 million.

First Capital Research said the bourse recorded a subdued trading session, reflecting weakened investor confidence. Although the market experienced a brief upward movement at the commencement of trading, the momentum reversed, resulting in largely stagnant market activity for the remainder of the session.

Participation from both HNW and retail investors remained relatively muted, amid a mixed market sentiment. The banking sector led the daily turnover with a share of 29%, followed by the capital goods, and real estate management and development sectors collectively contributing 26%.