CSE ends down 0.38% on heightened selling pressure

Wednesday, 9 September 2026 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market yesterday ended in red amid heightened selling pressure and concerns over escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The ASPI was down 0.38% or 81.43 points at 21,542.23 and the S&P SL20 declined 0.2% or 12.03 points to 6,054.52.

Market turnover was above Rs. 1.4 billion on over 68 million shares traded with foreign investors emerging as net buyers on a net inflow of Rs. 13.6 million.

First Capital Research said the bourse opened on a positive note before reversing sharply as selling pressure intensified driven by heightened concerns surrounding the escalation in the Middle East and rising global oil prices, which weighed heavily on investor sentiment.

Top negative contributors to the ASPI index were CINS, BREW, CARS, SAMP and JKH. Retail investors were particularly active in selling index-heavy counters, contributing significantly to the market’s decline. Turnover was lower compared to the past few sessions, while HNW participation remained low as well.

The insurance sector led the daily turnover with a share of 23%, followed by the capital goods, and materials sectors collectively contributing 27%.