CSE opens week in red

Tuesday, 13 January 2026 03:11 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market yesterday began a fresh week in the red with indices moving down amidst low turnover.

The benchmark ASPI declined by 0.19% or 45.79 points at 23,608.51 and the active S&P SL20 ended flat, down a marginal 0.01% or 0.57 points to 6,502.45.

Market turnover was Rs. 5.2 billion involving 156.9 million shares. Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing with a net outflow of Rs. 35.4 million.

First Capital said the Colombo Bourse turned bearish after 11 consecutive days of bull market. ASPI rose to an intraday high of around 23,841 early in the session, but trended downward thereafter due to sustained selling pressure, before staging a mild late-session recovery to close at 23,609, dropping by 46 points (-0.19%), reflecting a cautious market sentiment. S&P SL20 index moved down by nearly 1 point to close the day at 6,502. The index was weighed down by DOCK, RICH and CARG along with the declines in banking counters such as HNB and SAMP. Daily turnover was recorded at Rs. 5.2 billion, representing an increase of approximately 14.7% above the monthly average level of Rs. 4.5 billion.

HNW participation remained subdued, while retail activity was comparatively stronger. The Capital Goods counters contributed 24% of total turnover, while Banking and Food Beverage & Tobacco sectors together accounted for 31%.

NDB Securities said high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Royal Ceramics, John Keells Holdings and Cargill. Mixed interest was observed in Commercial Bank, Prime Lands Residencies and Sampath Bank whilst retail interest was noted in SMB Leasing, UB Finance Company and Lanka Credit and Business Finance.

The Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings and Royal Ceramics), whilst the sector index lost 0.51%. The share price of John Keells Holdings gained 10 cents to close at Rs. 22.90. The share price of Royal Ceramics moved up by 50 cents to close at Rs. 50.

The Banking sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Commercial Bank) whilst the sector index edged down by 0.10%. The share price of Commercial Bank increased by Rs. 1.25 to close at Rs. 219.50. Prime Lands Residencies and LOLC Holdings were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Prime Lands Residencies recorded a gain of Rs. 1.30 to close at Rs. 37.80. The share price of LOLC Holdings edged up 50 cents to close at Rs. 575.25.