CSE inches up to new high

Friday, 23 January 2026 00:10 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market ended a volatile trading session yesterday flat, with the benchmark index inching up to a new high.

The ASPI ended 0.03% on the up, or 7.45 points to 23,813.77 and the active S&P SL20 closed 0.02% lower, down 1.47 points to 6,617.85. Turnover was over Rs. 8.3 billion on nearly 187.3 million shares traded.

Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net sellers, posting a net outflow of Rs. 144.6 billion.

First Capital said the Colombo Bourse showed mixed sentiment yesterday, with some selling pressure following Wednesday’s gains. ASPI moved up by 7 points, closing at 23,814. S&P SL20 index slightly dipped by 1 point to 6,618.

Top positive contributors for the ASPI were HNB, DFCC, UML, RICH and ASCO, while the impact of positive and negative contributors on overall market performance was broadly balanced. Daily turnover stood at Rs. 8.3 billion, which marks a 48.6% increase over the monthly average of Rs. 5.6 billion.

HNW participation was

higher, while retail investor sentiment maintained at an average level. The Capital Goods sector led the daily turnover by 25%, followed by the Food Beverage & Tobacco and Banking sectors collectively contributing 34%.

NDB Securities said high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Renuka Foods, Laugfs Gas and Pan Asia Banking Corporation.

Mixed interest was observed in Colombo Dockyard, Hatton National Bank and Renuka Agri Foods, whilst retail interest was noted in Luminex, Muller & Phipps and York Arcade Holdings.

Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Colombo Dockyard), whilst the sector index lost 0.73%. The share price of Colombo Dockyard lost Rs. 6.25 to close at Rs. 137.

Food, Beverage and Tobacco sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Renuka Foods and Renuka Agri Foods), whilst the sector index increased by 0.39%.

The share price of Renuka Foods increased by 50 cents to close at Rs. 72.40. The share price of Renuka Agri Foods appreciated by Rs. 1.20 (8.16%) to close at Rs. 15.90.

LAUGFS Gas and Hatton National Bank were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of LAUGFS Gas moved up by Rs. 4 to close at Rs. 75.20. The share price of Hatton National Bank recorded a gain of Rs. 8.75 to close at Rs. 432.

Almas Equities Research said crossings accounted for Rs. 2 billion, representing 24% of total market turnover. The largest crossing was recorded in COCO.N, with a turnover of Rs. 0.70 billion, involving 10 million shares. Market breadth continued to weaken, with 108 gainers and 109 decliners, indicating subdued investor sentiment. Positive contributors were HNB.N (+23.13 points), followed by DFCC.N, UML.N, RICH.N, and ASCO.N. Negative contributors were HAYL.N (-44.00 points) led the drag on the index, while DOCK.N, SFCL.N, CARG.N, and DIAL.N also exerted downward pressure.

Among notable trades was UML.N recorded a strong performance, posting a turnover of Rs. 0.36 billion, with 9.13 million shares traded, alongside a price

gain of 8.46%.