CSE ends three-day decline, closes on the up

Wednesday, 26 November 2025 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market ended a three-day decline to close on the up yesterday on bullish high net worth investor participation.

The ASPI ended 0.77% up, gaining 174.03 points to 22,819.91 and S&P SL20 gained 0.30% to close 19.04 points up at 6,298.75.

Market turnover was over Rs. 4 billion on nearly 110 million shares traded and foreign investors were net sellers with a net outflow of over Rs. 213.2 million.

First Capital Research said improved investor sentiment on Banking and Diversified Financials sector counters, as well as conglomerates, raised the main index up, while the S&PSL20 gained from CINS, NDB, MELS, BIL and SUN.

Although retail participation was moderate, high net worth investors were highly active.

On a sectoral basis, the Banking sector dominated activity, accounting for 31% of total turnover, followed by the Capital Goods and Diversified Financials sectors, which collectively contributed 33%.

NDB Securities said high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Hatton National Bank, John Keells Holdings and DFCC Bank. Mixed interest was observed in Vallibel One, Browns Investments and CIC Holdings while retail interest was noted in SMB Leasing, Asia Siyaka Commodities and Co-Operative Insurance Company.

The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover due to Hatton National Bank and DFCC Bank with the sector index gaining 0.60%.

The share price of Hatton National Bank increased by Rs. 2.25 to close at Rs. 402.25 and DFCC Bank moved up by 25 cents to close at Rs. 160.

The Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover due to John Keells Holdings and Vallibel One). The sector index increased by 0.15% with John Keells Holdings down 20 cents to Rs. 22.40 and Vallibel One declined by 75 cents to close at Rs. 104.25.

Central Finance Company was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Central Finance Company recorded a gain of Rs.1.25 to close at Rs. 288.