Colombo stock market negativity worsens

Thursday, 19 June 2025 02:43 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market yesterday got more bearish amidst negative sentiments though turnover was healthy.

The benchmark ASPI declined by 1.22% and the active S&P SL20 by 1.11%. In comparison, on Tuesday, ASPI dipped by only 0.45% whilst S&P SL 20 was flat.

Turnover was Rs. 3.9 billion (down from Rs. 6.8 billion) involving 181.2 million shares.

First Capital said the negative sentiment from Tuesday carried over into yesterday as the Colombo Bourse experienced another session marked by selling pressure and lower activity compared to the previous day. The ASPI opened with a decline, briefly showed signs of recovery, but soon reversed course to register continued losses amidst volatility. HAYL, CTHR, SAMP, DFCC, and HNB emerged as the key counters that exerted negative pressure. Retail and HNW investor participation was subdued with primary interest focused on blue-chip counters such as JKH and VONE. The Capital Goods sector led today’s turnover, contributing 25%, followed by the Diversified Financials, and Banking sectors, jointly accounting for 38%. Foreign investors turned net buyers, with a net inflow of Rs. 50.6 million.

NDB Securities said high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in John Keells Holdings, Ceylon Tobacco Company and People’s Leasing & Finance. Mixed interest was observed in Vallibel One, LB Finance and Sampath Bank whilst retail interest was noted in Nation Lanka Finance, LOLC Finance and HNB Finance.

The Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings and Vallibel One) whilst the sector index lost 1.42%. The share price of John Keells Holdings decreased by 20 cents to Rs. 21.60. The share price of Vallibel One gained by 70 cents to Rs. 79.30. The Diversified Financials sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to LB Finance) whilst the sector index decreased by 1.44%. The share price of LB Finance declined by 75 cents to Rs. 119.25.

Sampath Bank and Ceylon Tobacco Company were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Sampath Bank moved down by Rs. 1.75 to Rs. 120. The share price of Ceylon Tobacco Company recorded a loss of Rs. 8.25 to Rs. 1,441.75.

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