CSE opens new week in red

Tuesday, 15 September 2026 04:14 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market began a new week negatively amidst lacklustre investor activity.

The benchmark ASPI saw a sharp decline from midday to close the session down 69 points (-0.3%), while the S&P SL20 performed slightly better but ultimately closed 8 points lower (-0.1%).

The index was dragged down with price declines in ASIR (-3.8%), CCS (-2.1%), SPEN (-2.1%), DIAL (-1.0%), SUN (-1.0%), OSEA (-0.9%), LIOC (-0.8%), AEL (-0.6%), SAMP (-0.2%), and HNBN (-0.1%) in today’s session.

DIAL (-7 points), SPEN (-6 points), LOLC (-4 points), and CCS (-4 points) were recorded as top negative contributors to the ASPI, while market breadth remained deeply negative with 66 positive contributors and 141 negative contributors.

Turnover was Rs. 1.5 billion, marginally above last week’s average of Rs. 1.4 billion, but still market participation remains subdued, likely amid heightened geopolitical uncertainty, according to Asia Securities.

Turnover was supported by JKH (Rs. 255 million), SAMP (Rs. 233 million), and LIOC (Rs. 221 million).

Foreigners were net sellers to the tune of Rs. 94.7 million.

First Capital Securities said the Colombo Bourse traded largely sideways during the first half of the session before coming under sustained selling pressure in the second half, extending the cautious sentiment seen over the past few sessions. “Elevated global oil prices and continued uncertainty surrounding the Middle East remained key concerns, encouraging investors to maintain a wait-and-see approach and limited buying activity,” it added.

NDB Securities said high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Sampath Bank, Lanka IOC and John Keells Holdings. Mixed interest was observed in E B Creasy & Company, Sunshine Holdings and Access Engineering whilst retail interest was noted in Industrial Asphalts, Browns Investments and HNB Finance.