CSE ends six-session slump closing 0.27% on the up

Wednesday, 28 October 2026 00:03 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market yesterday ended a six-session losing streak to end on the up.

The ASPI ended up 0.27% or 52.11 points at 19,692.67 and the S&P SL20 gained 0.19% or 10.44 points to 5,612.31. Market turnover was nearly Rs. 549.4 million on over 34 million shares traded and Foreign investors were net buyers on a net inflow of Rs. 35.12 million.

With 125 counters ending on the up against 75 that declined, the top contributors to the ASPI gain were DIAL, CARS, CCS, SEMB and LGL.

NDB Securities said high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Softlogic Life Insurance, CIC Holdings and John Keells Holdings. Mixed interest was observed in Panasian Power, Haycarb and Prime Lands Residencies whilst retail interest was noted in Browns Investments, LOLC Finance and Ceylon Land & Equity.

The materials sector was the top contributor to the market turnover due to CIC Holdings and Haycarb whilst the sector index gained 0.25%. The share price of CIC Holdings fell 10 cents to close at Rs. 24.90 and Haycarb gained Rs. 1.25 to Rs. 199.75.

The capital goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover due to John Keells Holdings whilst the sector index increased by 0.69%. John Keells Holdings ended up 20 cents at Rs. 17.90.

Panasian Power and Softlogic Life Insurance were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. Panasian Power gained 40 cents to Rs. 10.40 and Softlogic Life Insurance ended up Re. 1 to close at Rs. 72.80.

First Capital Research said the bourse maintained a mildly positive sentiment throughout the session, supported by cautious buying as investors opted to accumulate stocks in relatively small quantities. Market activity remained measured, reflecting continued investor caution despite the positive momentum observed from the morning onwards. Both retail and HNW investors contributed to market activity, with notable trading in CIC across retail transactions and crossings.

The materials sector led the daily turnover with a share of 27%, followed by the capital goods, and banking sectors collectively contributing 24%.