Thursday Feb 19, 2026
Thursday Feb 19, 2026
Tuesday, 10 February 2026 04:50 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The Colombo stock market opened the week in red amid investor caution foreign net selling amounting Rs. 1.4 billion.
The ASPI ended down 0.20% or 47.70 points at 23,754.26 and the active S&P SL20 closed 0.09% lower, down 6.04 points to 6,608.68.
Market turnover was over Rs. 6.3 billion on over 351 million shares traded. Foreign investors were net sellers on a net outflow of Rs. 1.4 billion.
First Capital Research said the bourse showed a mild, broad-based pullback as both indices dipped slightly after early fluctuations, then trended lower through the session.
Top negative contributors to the ASPI were JKH, SFCL, DOCK, TKYO and CARG. HNW and retail investors’ participation remained high, while retail investors engaged in selling penny stocks following profit-taking.
The food beverage and tobacco sector led the daily turnover with a share of 28%, followed by the materials, and capital goods sectors collectively contributing 34%.
Almas Equities Research said the week started on a negative note, with both indices closing in moderate losses. During intraday trading, the ASPI gained as much as 108 points, but selling pressure in index-heavy counters dragged the market into negative territory by the close.
Investor sentiment remained moderate, with activity primarily focused on fundamentally strong, value-driven stocks ahead of anticipated earnings for the December quarter.
As of 9 February, 78 listed companies have released their December quarter results, reporting cumulative earnings of Rs. 49.55 billion, representing an 18.02% YoY growth.
The food and beverage sector led market turnover, recording Rs. 1.79 billion with 52.81 million shares traded. LMF.N was the top contributor in the sector, generating Rs. 0.85 billion in turnover with 11.58 million shares traded.
Crossings accounted for Rs. 2.28 billion, representing 36% of total turnover. The largest crossing was recorded in CIC.N, with a turnover of Rs. 0.87 billion involving 25.07 million shares traded.
Market breadth weakened further, with 79 gainers and 139 decliners, indicating subdued market pressure.
Among notable trades, LMF.N recorded strong activity, posting a turnover of Rs. 0.85 billion with 11.58 million shares traded, alongside a price gain of 9.08%.
