CSE marginally up on subdued sentiment

Wednesday, 24 June 2026 00:05 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market edged marginally up yesterday on mixed investor sentiment.

With 97 counters closing in green against 116 that declined, the ASPI ended up 0.01% or 2.97 points at 22,256.49 while the S&P SL20 was down a marginal 0.03% or 2.06 points at 6,193.65.

Turnover was over Rs. 1.56 billion on over 65.1 million shares traded. Foreign investors were net sellers on a net outflow of Rs. 225 million.

CT Smith Securities said Hemas Holdings emerged as the top contributor to turnover with Rs. 214 million from 6.6 million shares traded, followed by National Development Bank’s Rs. 169 million from 1.5 million shares, and Hayleys Fibre’s Rs. 97 million from 0.6 million shares.

First Capital Research said investor sentiment remained mixed as buying interest was observed on selected financial and defensive sectors including power and energy, and property. HNW participation remained low, while retail participation remained subdued.

The positive contributors to the ASPI were CTHR, LFIN, NDB, DIAL, and NHL. The capital goods sector led the daily turnover with a share of 27%, followed by the banking, and diversified financials sectors collectively contributing 29%.

NDB Securities said high-net-worth

and institutional investor participation was noted in Hemas Holdings, National Development Bank and Pan Asia Banking Corporation. Mixed interest was observed in Hayleys Fibre, Panasian Power and John Keells Holdings, whilst retail interest was noted in Madulsima Plantations, Lanka Credit and Business Finance, and Ceylon Land & Equity.

The capital goods sector was the top contributor to market turnover due to Hemas Holdings and John Keells Holdings, whilst the sector index gained 0.22%. The share price of Hemas Holdings increased by 10 cents to close at Rs. 32.50 and John Keells Holdings closed flat at Rs. 20.20.

The banking sector was the second-highest contributor to market turnover due to National Development Bank, whilst the sector index increased by 0.13%. National Development Bank gained Rs. 1.50 to Rs. 111.50.

Hayleys Fibre and Panasian Power were also among the top turnover contributors. Hayleys Fibre moved up by Rs. 9.75 to Rs. 160 and Panasian Power was down 40 cents to closing at Rs. 16.