CSE ends volatile session in green

Thursday, 26 February 2026 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A late rally helped the Colombo stock market close in green yesterday after failing to maintain early gains.

The ASPI ended up 0.05% or 12.48 points at 23,703.10 and the active S&P SL20 ended 0.06% on the up or 4.15 points at 6,685.27. Market turnover was over Rs. 4 billion on over 133.1 million shares traded.

First Capital Research said the bourse experienced some morning volatility and a mild midday dip, while both indices recovered in the afternoon, suggesting selective buying interest rather than broad-based momentum.

CDB, DIAL, PLR, JKH, and DOCK emerged as the key positive contributors to the index. Market breadth was negative, with 127 counters declining and weighing on the index, compared to 101 counters that posted gains, indicating that the day’s advance was driven by a select group of stocks, despite the overall positive close.

Retail investors were the primary participants during today’s session, while HNW activity appeared modest.

Diversified financials sector led the daily turnover with a share of 22%, followed by the capital goods, and banking sectors collectively contributing 35%. Foreign investors remained net sellers, posting a net outflow of Rs. 72 million, bringing the year-to-date foreign outflow to Rs. 15.9 billion.

Asia Securities said diversified financials, capital goods, banks and real estate management and development sectors led activity, collectively accounting for 65.0% of turnover.

Net foreign buying topped in RIL.N at Rs. 32.6 million while net foreign selling topped in MELS.N at Rs. 69.7 million. Crossings accounted for 16.8% of turnover led by AEL.N (Rs. 230.2 million), DIAL.N (Rs. 86.4 million), and RIL.N (Rs. 65.0 million). Market P/E was 11.17.