CSE falls sharply to five-week low

Tuesday, 25 November 2025 02:10 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market opened the week in red, extending the slump into a third session with a sharp decline yesterday to close at a five-week low.

The ASPI closed down 1.47% or 337.84 points lower at 22,644.88. The active S&P SL20 closed 1.33% lower, down 84.90 points to 6,279.71.

Market turnover was over Rs. 4.95 billion on over 145.8 million shares traded. Foreigners were net buyers with a net inflow of over Rs. 83.2 million.

NDB Securities said the ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Hatton National Bank, Richard Pieris & Company and National Development Bank.

High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Hemas Holdings, York Arcade Holding and Vallibel One. Mixed interest was observed in United Motors Lanka, Colombo Dockyard and Renuka Agri Foods whilst retail interest was noted in SMB Leasing, LOLC Finance and Hela Apparel Holdings.

The Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover due to Hemas Holdings, Colombo Dockyard and John Keells Holdings while the sector index lost 1.40%.

The share price of Hemas Holdings decreased by 20 cents to close at Rs. 35.30 and Colombo Dockyard moved down by Rs. 10.50 to close at Rs. 400.25. The share price of John Keells Holdings recorded a loss of 30 cents to close at Rs. 22.60.

The Banking sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover with the sector index decreasing by 1.62%. York Arcade Holdings and United Motors Lanka were also included amongst the top turnover contributors.

The share price of York Arcade Holdings lost Rs. 29.25 to close at Rs. 892.50 and United Motors Lanka appreciated by Rs. 32.25 to close at Rs 327.75.

Asia Securities Research said the market breadth was negative with 28 price gainers and 239 decliners.

First Capital Research said continued selling pressure dragged down the market.

Retail participation made a notable contribution to today’s market activity. Driven largely by movements in banking and blue-chip counters. HNB, RICH, NDB, SAMP and JKH emerged as the top negative contributors to the index.

Significant activity was observed in HHL and YORK, supported by crossings. Capital Goods sector dominated the activity, accounting for 33% of total turnover, while Banking and Food Beverage and Tobacco sectors collectively contributed 28%.