CSE extends losses into sixth session, falls below 22,000 points

Wednesday, 8 July 2026 00:04 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market yesterday extended its slide for a sixth straight session, failing below 22,000 points on selling pressure.

The ASPI was down 0.54% or 118.35 points at 21,962.30 and the S&P SL20 was down 0.51% or 31.55 points at 6,135.50.

Turnover was over Rs. 1.5 billion on nearly 58 million shares traded. Losers outweighed gainers with 169 counters closing in red against 49 in green. Foreigners were net seller on a net outflow of Rs. 185 million.

First Capital Research said investor sentiment remained subdued amid broad-based selling pressure across selected counters.

HNW participation remained slightly active, supported by several negotiated crossings, while retail participation remained at average levels. The main negative contributors to the ASPI were DIAL, MELS, JKH, CARS, and CIC.

The capital goods sector led the daily turnover with a share of 31%, followed by the retailing, and materials sectors collectively contributing 22%.

NDB Securities said the indices closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Dialog Axiata, Melstacorp and John Keells Holdings.

High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in John Keells Holdings, Sathosa Motors and Windforce. Mixed interest was observed in ACL Cables, Haycarb and HNB Finance, whilst retail interest was noted in Lanka Credit and Business Finance, Browns Investments and Renuka Agri Foods.

The capital goods sector was the top contributor to market turnover due to John Keells Holdings and Access Engineering, whilst the sector index lost 0.24%. The share price of John Keells Holdings decreased 10 cents to close at Rs. 20 and Access Engineering gained 30 cents to Rs. 78.40.

The retailing sector was the second-highest contributor to market turnover due to Sathosa Motors, whilst the sector index edged down by 0.03%. Sathosa Motors lost Rs. 53.25 to close at Rs. 1,200.25.

Windforce and Chevron Lubricants were also among the top turnover contributors. The share price of Windforce moved down 10 cents to Rs. 40.80 and Chevron Lubricants appreciated Rs. 1.25 to close at Rs. 200.50.