CSE reverts to negative territory

Wednesday, 3 September 2025 00:08 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market yesterday reverted to negative territory as investors opted to take profit.

The benchmark ASPI declined by over 71 points to dip below all-time high level of 21,000 points achieved on Monday. The active S&P SL20 was down by over 43 points. Turnover was Rs. 7.5 billion involving 311.5 million.

Foreign investors turned net buyers, registering a net inflow of Rs. 97 million.

First Capital said the Colombo Bourse yesterday saw a reversal in buying sentiment particularly during the second half of the day, with profit-taking activity evident in the Banking sector counters and Conglomerates.

The ASPI closed lower at 20,991, down by 72 points. However, positive momentum was noted in selected Hotels sector counters ahead of the seasonal period. Additionally, there was increased participation from high-net-worth investors in selected materials sector stocks.

The index’s decline was underpinned by the negative contributions from CTC, SAMP, NDB, COMB and JKH. While both retail and high-net-worth investor participation was high during the session yesterday, market turnover stood at Rs. 7.5 billion, representing a 9% increase compared to the monthly average of Rs. 6.9 billion. The Materials sector led turnover contributions with a 34% share, while the Capital Goods and Consumer Services sectors collectively accounted for 29% of the day’s total turnover.

NDB Securities said crossings were witnessed in Alumex, E.B. Creasy & Company, and Aitken Spence, accounting for 51.7% of the turnover. Mixed interest was observed in Sierra Cables, Lanka Milk Foods and Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings, whilst retail interest was noted in SMB Leasing, Mackwoods Energy and Co-Operative Insurance Company.

The materials sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Alumex), whilst the sector index lost 0.52%. The share price of Alumex increased by one rupee to Rs. 19.60.

The Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Sierra Cables and E.B. Creasy & Company), whilst the sector index decreased by 0.68%. The share price of Sierra Cables gained Rs. 1.50 to Rs. 26.20. The share price of E.B. Creasy & Company moved up by Rs. 3.10 to Rs. 68.10.

Lanka Milk Foods and Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Lanka Milk Foods registered a gain of Rs. 1.10 to Rs. 60.10. The share price of Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings appreciated by Rs. 11 to Rs. 99.50.