CSE ends in red as global uncertainties weigh on sentiment

Friday, 24 April 2026 04:41 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market yesterday ended two consecutive positive sessions to close in red with foreign investors emerging as net buyers for the second time this month albeit on thin volumes

The ASPI ended down 0.32% or 73.23 points at 22,566.58 and the S&P SL20 was down 0.13% or 8.11 points to 6,205.73.

Market turnover was over Rs. 2.8 billion on nearly 126 million shares traded with 145 counters closing in red against 76 that gained.

Foreign investors emerged as net buyers for the second time this month on a thin net inflow of Rs. 3.4 million, taking the year-to-date net foreign outflow to Rs. 21.6 billion.

First Capital Research said amid global uncertainties surrounding the US–Iran peace talks and investor concerns over the potential negative economic impact on the Sri Lankan economy from escalating US–Iran tensions, the Colombo Bourse concluded the session in negative territory.

BUKI, BREW, RIL, LION, and SAMP were the top negative contributors to the ASPI. Market sentiment remained mixed, with investors largely adopting a wait-and-see approach. High-net-worth (HNW) investor participation was evident, driven by attractive buying opportunities at discounted prices, while retail investor activity remained subdued.

The food beverage and tobacco sector led the daily turnover with a share of 20%, followed by the capital goods and insurance sectors collectively contributing 25%.

NDB Securities said the ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Bukit Darah, Ceylon Beverage Holdings and RIL Property.

High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Ceylon Cold Stores, Overseas Realty and Access Engineering. Mixed interest was observed in Softlogic Capital, Nawaloka Hospitals and Softlogic Holdings, whilst retail interest was noted in Citrus Leisure, Lanka Credit and Business Finance and Cargills Bank.

The food, beverage and tobacco sector was the top contributor to the market turnover due to Ceylon Cold Stores, whilst the sector index edged down by 0.11%. The share price of Ceylon Cold Stores increased by Rs. 3.25 to close at Rs. 117.25.

The capital goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover due to Access Engineering whilst the sector index decreased by 0.39%. The share price of Access Engineering declined 10 cents to Rs. 76.50.

Softlogic Capital, Nawaloka Hospitals and Overseas Realty were also included amongst the top turnover contributors.

The share price of Softlogic Capital lost 30 cents to Rs. 16.40. The share price of Nawaloka Hospitals moved up Rs. 1.20 to close at Rs. 15.60. The share price of Overseas Realty recorded a gain of Rs. 1.40 (3.01%) to close at Rs. 47.90.