Colombo stock market remains up with second day of over Rs. 9 b turnover

Wednesday, 16 July 2025 00:06 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market yesterday continued its upward trend from record highs and more importantly achieved yet another session with over Rs. 9 billion turnover.

The benchmark ASPI gained by over 107 points or 0.57% and the active S&P SL20 by 1.28%, The Rs. 9.1 billion turnover was via trading of 277 million shares.

First Capital said Monday’s sentiment held firm throughout yesterday’s trading session as the CSE went on to achieve new highs. The market opened strongly with the ASPI climbing as soon as trading resumed and the ASPI crossed the 19,000 mark briefly during morning hours. However, the market also saw some volatility during the day, and the ASPI dipped steeply around mid-day. But the index recovered soon after and ended the day in the green at 18,946, having gained about 108 points during the day. JKH emerged as the top positive contributor to the ASPI along with COMB, AEL, HAYL and LOLC. The day was also marked by a turnover level that reflected Monday’s sentiment and was high as opposed to the monthly average, which stands at Rs. 5.7 billion.

The Capital Goods sector led the turnover, accounting for 33% of the day’s total, followed by the Banking and Real Estate sectors, which together contributed approximately 31%. Foreign investors remained net sellers with a net outflow of Rs. 25.9 million.

NDB Securities said high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in John Keells Holdings, Lanka IOC and Access Engineering. Mixed interest was observed in Overseas Realty, Hatton National Bank and Sampath Bank whilst retail interest was noted in Central Industries, C M Holdings and Vallibel Power Erathna.

The Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings and Access Engineering) whilst the sector index gained 2.76%. The share price of John Keells Holdings increased by 90 cents to Rs. 26. The share price of Access Engineering gained Rs. 4.70 to Rs. 58.90.

The Banking sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Hatton National Bank and Sampath Bank) whilst the sector index increased by 1.12%. The share price of Hatton National Bank recorded a gain of Rs. 2 to Rs. 360. The share price of Sampath Bank appreciated by 75 cents to Rs. 138.25.

Overseas Realty was also included amongst the top turnover contributors with its share price gaining Rs. 2.10 to Rs. 32.50.

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