CSE ends lower, retreats further from 24,000-point mark

Friday, 30 January 2026 00:07 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market yesterday for the fourth session crossed the milestone 24,000-mark in early trading but retreated further than the previous occasions.

The ASPI ended down 0.38% or 91.22 points to 23,900.89 and the active S&P SL20 was down 0.22% or 14.55 points to 6,655.66.

Market turnover was over Rs. 6.9 billion on over 277.3 million shares traded. Foreign investors were net sellers on a net outflow of Rs. 20.9 million.

First Capital Research said the market ended lower amid profit-taking, reflecting cautious to mildly bearish investor sentiment with limited buying interest.

Top negative contributors to the ASPI were SFCL, CTC, JKH, CARS and CTHR. HNW and retail investors’ participation remained at an average level. The capital goods sector led the daily turnover with a share of 22%, followed by the real estate management and development, and insurance sectors collectively contributing 31%.

NDB Securities said high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Prime Lands Residencies, Ceylon Tobacco Company and Sampath Bank. Mixed interest was observed in Panasian Power, Asia Siyaka Commodities and Cargills Bank, whilst retail interest was noted in Softlogic Capital, Hemas Holdings and Softlogic Life Insurance.

The capital goods sector was the top contributor to market turnover, driven by Hemas Holdings and Colombo Dockyard, while the sector index declined by 0.64%. The share price of Hemas Holdings moved down by 10 cents to close at Rs. 34.80. Colombo Dockyard recorded a loss of Rs. 2.75 to close at Rs. 146.25.

The real estate sector was the second-highest contributor to market turnover, driven by Prime Lands Residencies, while the sector index increased by 0.70%. The share price of Prime Lands Residencies gained Rs. 2.60 to close at Rs. 46.80.

Softlogic Capital and Ceylon Tobacco Company were also among the top turnover contributors. The share price of Softlogic Capital gained Rs. 1.40 to close at Rs. 7.10 and Ceylon Tobacco Company declined by Rs. 49.75 to close at Rs. 1,701.50.

Almas Equities Research said investor sentiment remained subdued, as the market continued to trade without a clear directional trend. Despite the weak performance, increased retail participation helped improve liquidity, reflected in higher trading volumes and an active number of trades. Meanwhile, value-focused investors remained cautious, selectively seeking opportunities amid the current consolidation phase.

Market turnover was led by the capital goods sector, which recorded Rs. 1.55 billion, supported by 57.52 million shares traded. HHL.N generated the highest turnover within the sector, posting Rs. 0.42 billion, with 12.07 million shares traded.

Crossings accounted for Rs. 1.76 billion, representing 25% of total turnover. The largest crossing was recorded in PLR.N, with a turnover of Rs. 0.71 billion involving 15.93 million shares traded. Market breadth weakened further, with 77 gainers and 140 decliners, indicating continued selling pressure across the broader market.