CSE ends in red on Mideast uncertainties

Friday, 10 April 2026 00:08 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Despite positive news from the IMF yesterday, the Colombo stock market closed in the red, failing to maintain the previous session’s momentum due to uncertainties for peace in the Middle East.

The ASPI declined 0.33% or 73.06 points to 21,844.54 and active S&P SL20 ended 0.24% down or 14.32 points at 6,076.18. Market turnover was nearly Rs. 2.97 billion on over 133.3 million shares traded. Foreign investors were net sellers on a net outflow of Rs. 221.4 million, taking the total net outflow to Rs. 1.9 billion during the week.

First Capital Research said that amid escalating tensions in the Middle East following the breach of the ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran, the Colombo Bourse commenced trading on a weaker note. However, the ASPI recovered part of its losses during the latter part of the session, supported by news that the IMF had reached a staff-level agreement on the fifth and sixth reviews of Sri Lanka’s Extended Fund Facility.

CINS, DIAL, JKH, MELS and CTHR were the top negative contributors to the ASPI. Overall market sentiment remained subdued, with HNW participation noted in blue-chip counters, although overall participation levels were relatively low.

The capital goods sector led the daily turnover with a share of 30%, followed by the food beverage & tobacco, and banking sectors collectively contributing 27%.