Sunday May 17, 2026
Sunday May 17, 2026
Thursday, 7 May 2026 05:49 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The Colombo stock market yesterday rebounded sharply to close in green with 161 counters gaining against 67 that declined on positive developments in the Middle East which drove global oil priced below $ 100 a barrel.
Yesterday Brent crude fell below $107 and West Texas Intermediate tumbled to under $100, trading at $98.55 per barrel at one stage after US President Donal Trump said he would pause plans to escort vessels out of the Strait of Hormuz two days after it was announced.
The ASPI ended on the up by 0.69% or 155.47 points to 22,739.77 and the S&P SL20 gained 0.51% or 31.89 points to 6,245.13.
Market turnover was over Rs. 4.1 billion on nearly 377 million shared traded and foreign investors were net buyers on a net inflow of Rs. 62.4 million.
First Capital Research said that optimism surrounding US–Iran peace negotiations, together with strengthening global capital markets and easing global oil prices, had a positive impact on the Colombo bourse, which closed the session in positive territory.
JKH, HNB, MELS, HAYL, and RIL were the top positive contributors to the ASPI. Retail investor participation was observed at elevated levels, whereas HNW investor participation remained relatively subdued.
The food, beverage and tobacco sector led the daily turnover with a share of 16%, followed by the diversified financials, and consumer services sectors collectively contributing 28%.
Asia Securities Research said the food, beverage and tobacco, diversified financials, consumer services, and banking sectors led activity, collectively accounting for 55.9% of turnover. Net foreign buying topped in HNB.X at Rs. 87.6 million while net foreign selling topped in LGL.N at Rs. 26.5 million.
Crossings accounted for 13.5% of turnover led by HPL.N (Rs. 262.3 million), COMB.N (Rs. 105 million), and HNB.X (Rs. 87.5 million). Market P/E was 11.67.
NDB Securities said High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Hatton Plantations, Commercial Bank, and Hatton National Bank non-voting.
Mixed interest was observed in Citrus Leisure, Janashakthi Ltd., and Lanka IOC whilst retail interest was noted in Waskaduwa Beach Resort, SMB Leasing, and Softlogic Finance. Foreign participation in market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net buyers.
The food, beverage and tobacco sector was the top contributor to market turnover due to Hatton Plantations whilst the sector index gained 0.99%. The share price of Hatton Plantations closed flat at Rs. 26.90.
The Diversified Financials sector was the second-highest contributor to market turnover (due to Janashakthi Ltd. whilst the sector index increased by 1.32%. The share price of Janashakthi Ltd. gained 80 cents to close at Rs. 14.40.
Citrus Leisure, Lanka IOC, and Commercial Bank were also among the top turnover contributors. The share price of Citrus Leisure increased by 70 cents to Rs. 5.20, Lanka IOC recorded a loss of 75 cents to close at Rs. 138.50, and Commercial Bank closed flat at Rs. 209.75.
