Saturday Oct 04, 2025
Saturday Oct 04, 2025
Wednesday, 13 August 2025 00:12 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The Colombo stock market yesterday managed to close on the up amidst volatile investor sentiments whilst crossing of 7% NDB stake boosted turnover.
The benchmark ASPI gained by 0.25% and the active S&P Sl20 was flat. Turnover was Rs. 7.56 billion involving 137.35 million shares.
First Capital said the market experienced another volatile session, driven by broad profit taking among investors, regardless of which the ASPI managed to close in positive territory at 19,973, gaining 50 points. The market opened on an upward trajectory but quickly succumbed to selling pressure, pulling the index lower until the afternoon session, when a rebound took shape on the back of decent gains. NDB, DIAL, CARS, LOLC, and SAMP were the key positive contributors to the index.
A noteworthy transaction amounting to around 7% worth of stake in NDB changed hands via multiple crossings, accounting for a significant amount of the turnover which was above 15% of the monthly average. The Banking sector dominated activity on the back of, contributing 67% of turnover, followed by the Diversified Financials and Capital Goods sectors with a combined share of 13%. Foreign investors remained net sellers with a net outflow of Rs. 77.9 million.
NDB Securities said high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in National Development Bank, Hatton National Bank and Dipped Products. Mixed interest was observed in John Keells Holdings, Bogala Graphite Lanka and Capital Alliance Holdings whilst retail interest was noted in Union Bank, Beruwala Resorts and Hela Apparel Holdings.
The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to National Development Bank) whilst the sector index gained 0.32%. The share price of National Development Bank increased by Rs. 3.50 (2.51%) to close at Rs. 143.
The Diversified Financials sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Capital Alliance Holdings) whilst the sector index increased by 0.72%.
The share price of Capital Alliance Holdings recorded a gain of 60 cents to Rs. 18.30. John Keells Holdings, Bogala Graphite Lanka and Agarapatana Plantations were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of John Keells Holdings lost 40 cents to Rs. 23. The share price of Bogala Graphite Lanka moved up by Rs. 18.10 to Rs. 76.10. The share price of Agarapatana Plantations appreciated by Rs. 1.30 to Rs. 23.30.
