Colombo stock market dips due to profit taking

Thursday, 9 October 2025 05:15 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market yesterday dipped largely due to profit taking amidst healthy turnover.

The benchmark ASPI declined by 0.3% and the active S&P SL20 by 0.4%. Turnover was Rs. 7.3 billion.

Foreign investors remained net sellers, recording a net outflow of Rs. 196.2 million.

First Capital said post hitting the 22,000 milestone on ASPI, marked the first day of profit taking, after 15 consecutive days of gains.

While both retail and HNW participation was high, investors have largely realized gains on the Banking sector counters and conglomerates.

BUKI, SUN, DIAL, COMB and CARS were the top contributors to the index.

Banking sector took the lead in terms of sector wise contributions to turnover, with a share of 21%, followed by the Capital Goods sector and Food retailing sector, which produced a combined contribution of 35%. Food retailing sector’s high turnover was underpinned by the increased HNW participation observed in CARG and CTHR.

NDB Securities said high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Cargills, C T Holdings and Commercial Bank. Mixed interest was observed in Lanka Credit and Business Finance, John Keells Holdings and Colombo Dockyard whilst retail interest was noted in Kotagala Plantations, Co-Operative Insurance Company and Hela Apparel Holdings.

The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Commercial Bank) whilst the sector index lost 0.35%. The share price of Commercial Bank increased by 75 cents to Rs. 197.

The Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Colombo Dockyard and John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.74%. The share price of Colombo Dockyard recorded a gain of Rs. 4.50 to Rs. 134.

The share price of John Keells Holdings declined by 20 cents to Rs. 21.50.

Cargills and C T Holdings were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Cargills closed flat at Rs. 750. The share price of C T Holdings moved down by Rs. 1.50 to Rs. 651.