CSE marginally up after two-day slump

Wednesday, 7 October 2026 04:43 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market yesterday ended a two-day slump closing marginally up on muted investor sentiment.

The ASPI ended up a marginal 0.03% or 5.97 points at 20,650.23 with 87 counters closing in green against 108 in red, and the active S&P SL20 edged down 0.05% or 2.74% to 5,844.28.

Market turnover was over Rs. 1 billion on nearly 43.1 million shares traded with foreign investors as net sellers on a net outflow of Rs. 29.3 million.

Top contributors to the ASPI gain were GREG, CINS, HHL, LOFC and GLAS.

First Capital Research said investor sentiment remained mixed, as the index saw volatility throughout the day. Fall in global oil prices after the release of G7 emergency stockpile and resilient Middle Eastern oil exports, could have further prompted the measured positivity.

HNW investors primarily drove market activity, while retail participation remained limited. The food, beverage and tobacco sector led the daily turnover with a share of 23%, followed by the diversified financials, and banking sectors collectively contributing 31%.

NDB Securities said high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Asiri Surgical Hospital, Citizens Development Business Finance and Watawala Plantations. Mixed interest was observed in Lanka Milk Foods, John Keells Holdings and ACL Cables whilst retail interest was noted in Waskaduwa Beach Resort, HNB Finance and ACME Printing and Packaging.

The food, beverage and tobacco sector was the top contributor to the market turnover due to Watawala Plantations and Ceylon Cold Stores whilst the sector index gained 0.78%. The share price of Watawala Plantations moved up by Re. 1 to close at Rs. 47.90. Ceylon Cold Stores appreciated by 50 cents to Rs. 119.

The diversified financials sector was the second highest contributor to market turnover due to Citizens Development Business Finance whilst the sector index increased by 0.43%. Citizens Development Business Finance lost 10 cents to close at Rs. 33.

Asiri Surgical Hospital and Commercial Bank were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. Asiri Surgical Hospital decreased by Rs. 2.80 to Rs. 10 and Commercial Bank closed flat at Rs. 201.