CSE opens week in red, down 1.6%

Tuesday, 9 June 2026 04:21 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market opened the week deep in red amidst concerns over rising interest rates and escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Only 23 stocks closed in green as against 227 counters ending in red as the ASPI ended down 1.57% or 340.85 points at 21,403.28 and the S&P SL20 ended down 0.92% or 55.58 points at 5,968.42.

Market turnover was over Rs. 2.6 billion on nearly 88.15 million shares traded. Foreign investors were net sellers on a net outflow of Rs. 54.1 million.

First Capital Research said the bourse closed in negative territory as investor sentiment remained subdued as the concerns that weighed on the market last week, including the recent increase in interest rates, continued to dampen risk appetite.

HNW participation remained high, supported by several notable crossings led by JKH, while retail participation remained at average levels. The negative contributors to the ASPI were MELS, BUKI, HAYL, SAMP, and LOLC.

The capital goods sector led the daily turnover with a share of 37%, followed by the banking, and food beverage and tobacco sectors collectively contributing 31%.

NDB Securities said the ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Melstacorp, Bukit Darah and Hayleys. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in John Keells Holdings, ACL Cables and Commercial Bank. Mixed interest was observed in Hatton National Bank, Haycarb and Colombo Dockyard, whilst retail interest was noted in Hela Apparel Holdings, ACME Printing and Packaging and Citrus Leisure.

The capital goods sector was the top contributor to market turnover due to John Keells Holdings and ACL Cables, whilst the sector index lost 1.02%. The share price of John Keells Holdings decreased by 20 cents to close at Rs. 19.80 and ACL Cables lost Rs. 2.20 to close at Rs. 94.60.

The banking sector was the second-highest contributor to market turnover due to Hatton National Bank and Commercial Bank, whilst the sector index decreased by 0.61%. The share price of Hatton National Bank moved up by 75 cents to close at Rs. 392 and the share price of Commercial Bank recorded a loss of 50 cents to close at Rs. 201.75.