CSE opens week down 0.65%

Wednesday, 1 July 2026 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market opened the week deep in red amid renewed concerns over flaring tensions in the Middle East.

With 160 counters closing in red against 71 in green, the ASPI ended down 0.65% or 146.53 points at 22,263.28 and the S&P SL20 lost 0.56% or 34.92 points to 6,212.50.

Market turnover was over Rs. 1.7 billion on nearly 60 million shares traded. Foreign investors were net sellers on a net outflow of Rs, 466.1 million.

First Capital Research said investor sentiment weakened amid renewed geopolitical uncertainty, which triggered selling pressure across selected counters. HNW and retail participation remained at average levels.

The main negative contributors to the ASPI were DIAL, JKH, WIND, CIC, and HAYL. The utilities sector led the daily turnover with a share of 28%, followed by the capital goods, and retailing sectors collectively contributing 28%.

CT Smith Securities said Windforce emerged as the top contributor to turnover with Rs. 470 million, followed by Colombo Dockyard with Rs. 172 million, and Sathosa Motors with Rs. 107 million.

NDB Securities said high-net-worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Colombo Dockyard, Sathosa Motors and Galadari Hotels. Mixed interest was observed in Windforce, HNB Finance and CIC Holdings, whilst retail interest was noted in LOLC Finance, Browns Investments and UB Finance Company.

The utilities sector was the top contributor to market turnover due to Windforce, whilst the sector index lost 2.39%. The share price of Windforce decreased by Rs. 2.20 to close at Rs. 40.80.

The capital goods sector was the second-highest contributor to market turnover due to Colombo Dockyard, whilst the sector index decreased by 0.52%. The share price of Colombo Dockyard lost 25 cents to end at Rs. 130.

Sathosa Motors, Distilleries and HNB Finance were also among the top turnover contributors. The share price of Sathosa Motors edged up 75 cents to Rs. 1,200.50, Distilleries gained 50 cents to Rs. 57.50, and HNB Finance closed flat at Rs. 9.60.