CSE ends in red, falls below 23,000 points

Thursday, 14 May 2026 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market closed in red yesterday with the benchmark index falling below 23,000 points.

The ASPI ended down 0.41% or 95 points at 22,920.32 and the active S&P SL20 closed down 0.40% or 24.90 points at 6,269.41. Market turnover was over Rs. 2.8 billion on nearly 142.4 million shares traded. Foreign investors were net sellers on a net outflow of Rs. 29.5 million.

First Capital Research said the bourse took a hit yesterday due to escalating fears around the Middle East situation and lower banking sector earnings.

Trading activity was characterised by the cautious stance by investors weighing on the impact of unease in the Middle East, upcoming summit between the US and Chinese leaders, and decline in 1Q 2026 earnings of most of the banking sector counters.

CINS, MELS, BUKI, NDB and DFCC ranked among the leading negative contributors to the ASPI. Overall market activity reflected profit booking sentiment, while lower HNW participation and average retail investor participation was observed.

The capital goods sector led the daily turnover with a share of 19%, followed by the diversified financials, and food, beverage and tobacco sectors collectively contributing 32%.

Asia Securities Research said the capital goods, diversified financials, food beverage and tobacco and Banks sectors led activity, collectively accounting for 64.9% of turnover.

Net foreign buying topped in LMF.N at Rs. 108.8 million while net foreign selling topped in JKH.N at Rs. 184.5 million. Crossings accounted for 12.8% of turnover led by JKH.N (Rs. 203.3 million), LMF.N (Rs. 57 million), and DIST.N (Rs. 29.3 million). Market P/E was 11.72.