CSE starts week up, extends rally to fifth session

Tuesday, 23 September 2025 00:15 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Colombo stocks market started the week with both indices closing in the green Monday, extending its rally into a fifth session with positive investor sentiment delivering an above-average turnover.

The benchmark ASPI gained 0.67% to close 141.78 points higher at 21,226.87. The S&P SL20 closed 1.02% up, gaining 60.97 points to 6,057.13.

Turnover was Rs. 8.1 billion on more than 276.3 million shares traded. Turnover was Rs. 6.5 billion the previous session.

Foreigners were net buyers at Rs. 584.1 million, up from a net inflow of Rs. 58.2 million on Friday.

NDB Securities said: The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as John Keells Holdings, CT Holdings and Senkadagala Finance with the turnover crossing Rs. 8 billion. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Commercial Bank, John Keells Holdings and C T Holdings. Mixed interest was observed in Sierra Cables, Access Engineering and Vallibel One whilst retail interest was noted in Browns Investments, SMB Leasing and UB Finance Company. Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net buyers.

The Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to market turnover (due to Sierra Cables, John Keells Holdings, Access Engineering and Vallibel One) whilst the sector index gained 1.48%. The share price of Sierra Cables decreased by Rs. 5 (14.53%) to close at Rs. 29.40. The share price of John Keells Holdings moved up by Rs. 0.60 (2.63%) to close at Rs. 23.40. The share price of Access Engineering recorded a gain of Rs. 1.10 (1.80%) to close at Rs. 62.10. The share price of Vallibel One appreciated by Rs. 5.70 (6.26%) to close at Rs. 96.80.

The Banking sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Commercial Bank) whilst the sector index increased by 1.10%. The share price of Commercial Bank gained Rs. 3 (1.58%) to close at Rs. 193.25.

First Capital Research said that construction sector optimism sustained bullish momentum. The Colombo Bourse opened the week on a positive note, extending the bullish momentum carried over from the end of last week.

ASPI marked a gain of 142 points and closed at 21,227 by the end of the session. Moreover, the session stood out with robust investor activity and above-average turnover.

JKH, CTHR, SFCL, COMB and VONE were the top positive contributors to the index. Both retail and HNW participation drove the day’s rally, while HNW participation was mainly observed towards Construction sector and larger Hotel sector counters.

Positive investor sentiment towards the Construction sector could have possibly been driven by the country’s economic expansion by 4.9% in 2Q 2025. Turnover for the day reached Rs. 8.1 billion, reflecting an increase of 8% compared to the monthly average that stands at around Rs. 7.5 billion.

In terms of sector-wise contribution to turnover, the Capital Goods sector took the lead with a share of 45%, followed by the combined contribution of 28% from Banking sector and Diversified Financials sector. Foreign investors remained net buyers, recording a net inflow of Rs. 584.1 million.