CSE ends down 1.38% to near 14-month low

Friday, 9 October 2026 00:04 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market continued its slide, falling yesterday to a near 14-month low with 195 counters ending red against only 25 gainers.

The ASPI ended down 1.38% or 283.21 points at 20,234.34 and the S&P SL20 fell 0.93% or 53.84 points to 5,762.56. The lowest the ASPI had reached before yesterday was 20,218 points on 15 August 2025.

Turnover was over Rs. 2.7 billion on nearly 73 million shares traded. Foreign investors were net sellers on a net outflow of Rs. 17.3 million. The top contributors to the ASPI decline were DIST, DIAL, CARS, HNB and HHL.

First Capital Research said the bourse came under significant selling pressure amid a broadly negative sentiment, with margin calls and macroeconomic headwinds weighing on investor confidence.

HNW investors accounted for a larger share of market activity than retail investors, driving the majority of turnover during the session. Notable trading activity was witnessed in LMF, contributing to the day’s market activity. The food beverage and tobacco sector led the daily turnover with a share of 58%, followed by the capital goods, and diversified financials sectors collectively contributing 22%.