CSE holds ground, closes marginally up amidst high turnover

Friday, 24 October 2025 00:10 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Colombo stock market held its ground yesterday to close marginally up with high turnover.

The ASPI closed 0.26% up, gaining 59.88 points to 22,850.95 while the active S&P SL20 closed down 0.13%, falling 7.99 points to 6,268.87.

Market turnover was Rs. 9.2 billion on more than 307 million shares traded. Foreign investors were net buyers with a net inflow of Rs. 13.8 million.

Almas Equities said Investor sentiment was influenced by a series of notable corporate announcements, including Hayleys PLC entry into the supermarket industry and a share subdivision by Bairaha Farms PLC, both of which drew heightened market attention.

Hayleys PLC share price gained by 3% or Rs. 6.25 to close at Rs. 197.25 and Bairaha share price gained by 19% to Rs. 458.25.

Additionally, ongoing quarterly earnings releases and anticipation of upcoming corporate results continued to drive activity across multiple sectors.

NDB Securities said ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Hayleys, Ceylon Grain Elevators and Richard Pieris and Company with the turnover crossing Rs. 9.2 billion.

High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in DFCC Bank, LAUGFS Gas and Royal Ceramics.

Mixed interest was observed in Overseas Realty, Ambeon Capital and LOLC Finance whilst retail interest was noted in Industrial Asphalts, SMB Leasing nonvoting and SMB Leasing.

Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net buyers.

The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to DFCC Bank) whilst the sector index lost 0.26%. The share price of DFCC Bank lost 50 cents (0.30%) to close at Rs. 163.50.

The Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Royal Ceramics and Colombo Dockyard) whilst the sector index increased by 0.25%.

The share price of Royal Ceramics moved up by 60 cents (1.29%) to close at Rs 47.10. The share price of Colombo Dockyard appreciated by Rs. 12.25 (7.15%) to close at Rs. 183.50.

LAUGFS Gas and Dipped Products were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of LAUGFS Gas increased by Rs. 4.80 (8.57%) to close at Rs. 60.80. The share price of Dipped Products recorded a gain of Rs. 2.30 (3.41%) to close at Rs. 69.80.

First Capital Research said the Colombo Bourse extended its upward momentum, with the ASPI advancing by 60 points to close at 22,851.

While retail participation remained moderate, strong HNW interest was evident, supported by notable off-board transactions in DFCC, LGL, and RCL. Key positive contributors to the index included HAYL, GRAN, RICH, CARG, and BFL.

Additionally, large-cap counters such as HNB, COMB, and JKH declined, exerting pressure on the S&P SL20 index.

Market turnover was approximately 24% above the monthly average. The Banking sector led market activity, accounting for 22% of total turnover, while the Capital Goods and Energy sectors collectively contributed 29%.

Asia Securities said foreigners recorded a net inflow of Rs. 13.8 million. Net foreign buying topped in HAYL at Rs. 32.2 million and selling topped in CARG at Rs. 40.7 million.