Thursday Apr 09, 2026
Thursday Apr 09, 2026
Wednesday, 8 April 2026 02:03 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The Colombo stock market ended in red yesterday on cautious investor sentiment with heavy foreign investment outflows continuing into a second day.
The ASPI was down 0.45% or 94.14 points at 21,032.46 and the S&P SL20 fell 0.49% or 28.63 points to 5,832.82.
Market turnover was nearly Rs. 1.88 billion on over 48.7 million shares traded with 96 counters gaining and 127 declining.
Foreigners continued to be heavy sellers on a net outflow of Rs. 294 million. The previous session’s net outflow was Rs. 805 million.
First Capital Research said that cautious investor sentiment weighed on market performance. Ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East weighed on investor sentiment, exerting downward pressure on both indices despite a brief uptick observed during early trading hours. The initial gains were not sustained, as the market reversed in the evening session.
The key negative contributors to the ASPI included NDB, CINS, CARG, MELS, and JKH.
Market participation remained dull throughout the session, with participation from both retail and HNW investors staying relatively subdued, reflecting a cautious stance amid prevailing uncertainties.
The banking sector led the daily turnover with a share of 49%, followed by the materials, and capital goods sectors collectively contributing 22%.
NDB Securities said the ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as National Development Bank, Ceylinco Holdings and Cargills.
High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Hatton National Bank non-voting, Hatton National Bank and Galle Face Capital Partners. Mixed interest was observed in National Development Bank, Tokyo Cement Company non-voting and Commercial Bank, whilst retail interest was noted in Browns Investments, LVL Energy Fund and HVA Foods.
The banking sector was the top contributor to market turnover due to National Development Bank, Hatton National Bank non-voting and Hatton National Bank, whilst the sector index lost 0.70%.
The Materials sector was the second highest contributor to market turnover due to Tokyo Cement Company non-voting, whilst the sector index decreased by 0.17%.
The share price of Tokyo Cement Company non-voting recorded a loss of Rs. 1.10 to close at Rs. 72.10. Galle Face Capital Partners was also included among the top turnover contributors. The share price of Galle Face Capital Partners appreciated by 20 cents to Rs. 25.40.
