CSE tanks to seven-month low, ends down 1.82%

Friday, 20 March 2026 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock marked tanked yesterday to seven-month low despite the previous session’s rebound after escalating tensions in the Mideast sent oil above $ 118 a barrel on Thursday. Since the Mideast conflict began in 28 February, the CSE has lost a little over Rs. 1.2 trillion in value.

The ASPI ended yesterday down 1.82% or 376.62 points at 20,264.01, a seven month low, and the active S&P SL20 ended 1.98% lower or 114.16 points to 5,651.41. Market turnover was near Rs. 3.95 billion on over 176.4 million shares traded. Foreign investors were net sellers on a net outflow of Rs. 229.2 million.

First Capital Research said the bourse extended its downturn, as escalating tensions in the Middle East led to price declines triggered by margin calls. Elevated risk premiums, driven by rising oil prices, weighed on sentiment. JKH, AEL, COMB, MELS, and HAYL emerged as the top negative contributors to the index while foreign selling amounting to Rs. 174.8 million in JKH further pressured the market.

Retail participation remained subdued, while HNW investor activity was moderate. Market activity was primarily concentrated in banking sector counters and blue-chip stocks. The capital goods sector led the daily turnover with a share of 31%, followed by the banking, and diversified financials sectors collectively contributing 37%.