CSE rebounds, turnover tops Rs. 13 b

Friday, 10 October 2025 04:49 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Colombo stock market rebounded yesterday to close on the up with turnover exceeding Rs. 13 billion amid upbeat investor sentiment following the IMF’s positive review of the ongoing program. The ASPI gained 0.35%, up 76.75 points to 22,174.74 but the active S&P SL20 ended a marginal 0.84 points to lower at 6,162.38, down 0.01%. Turnover was Rs. 13.3 billion on more than 918.2 million shares traded. Foreigners were net buyers with a net inflow of Rs. 252.5 million, compared to Rs. 196.2 million outflow the previous day.

First Capital Research said reversing the previous session’s profit taking position, Colombo Bourse exhibited buying sentiment during the day. ASPI ended in green territory and ended the day at 22,175, gaining 77 points, largely contributed by the upward movement in blue-chip companies. COMB, DIMO, BUKI, CARS and WIND were the top positive contributors to the index. Turnover stood at Rs. 13.3 billion reflecting an increase of 90% compared to the monthly average that stands at Rs. 7 billion.

Banking sector took the lead in terms of sector wise contribution to the turnover, with a share of 48%, while Diversified Financials sector and Capital Goods sector jointly contributed 23%. A noteworthy contribution from HNW participants was observed, mainly driven by profit-taking in COMB, with an off-board transaction accounting for 40% of today’s turnover.

The positive investor participation could have been backed by IMF’s disclosure on reaching a staff-level agreement on the fifth review under Sri Lanka’s extended fund facility agreement.

Moreover, investor participation was observed on penny stocks. Foreign investors turned net buyers, recording a net inflow of Rs. 252.5 million. NDB Securities said ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Commercial Bank, Diesel & Motor Engineering and Bukit Darah with the turnover crossing Rs. 13.3 billion. Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 edged down. Crossings were witnessed in Commercial Bank, Cargills and Diesel & Motor Engineering, accounting for 54.8% of the turnover. Mixed interest was observed in John Keells Holdings, SMB Leasing and UB Finance Company whilst retail interest was noted in Kotagala Plantations Rights, Hela Apparel Holdings and Waskaduwa Beach Resort.

Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net buyers. The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Commercial Bank) whilst the sector index gained 0.75%. The share price of Commercial Bank increased by Rs. 6.25 (3.17%) to close at Rs. 203.25. Diversified Financials sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to SMB Leasing) whilst the sector index increased by 0.78%.

The share price of SMB Leasing recorded a gain of 30 cents (42.86%) to close at Rs. 1. Diesel & Motor Engineering, John Keells Holdings and Cargills were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Diesel & Motor Engineering gained Rs. 552 (27.47%) to close at Rs. 2,561.75. The share price of John Keells Holdings moved down by 60 cents (2.79%) to close at Rs. 20.90. The share price of Cargills appreciated by Rs. 17.25 (2.30%) to close at Rs. 767.25.