Colombo stock market subdued in fresh week; foreign inflow persists

Tuesday, 27 May 2025 02:16 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market began a fresh week yesterday on a subdued note, though foreigners remained bullish.

The benchmark ASPI closed on the up albeit by 1.78 points, whilst the active S&P SL20 was down by three points. Turnover was Rs. 3.7 billion involving 171.8 million shares.

First Capital said the index experienced a sharp uptick during early trading hours, followed by a gradual decline throughout the session, before seeing a modest recovery to finish virtually unchanged from the previous session. Key contributors to the day’s performance included CCS, HHL, HAYL, DIAL, and BIL.

Investor activity remained strong, driven by both HNW and retail participation. HNW interest was particularly notable in major conglomerates such as HHL, HAYL, and DIAL. Market turnover marked a 40% increase compared to the monthly average. The Food, Beverage and Tobacco sector dominated market activity, contributing 24% of the day’s turnover. The Capital Goods and Telecommunication Services sectors followed, collectively accounting for 36%.

Foreign investors remained net buyers, recording a net foreign inflow of Rs. 70.1 million.

NDB Securities said high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Dialog Axiata, Hemas Holdings, and Lion Brewery. Mixed interest was observed in ACL Cables, Lanka Milk Foods, and Sunshine Holdings, whilst retail interest was noted in LVL Energy Fund, Lanka Credit and Business Finance, and Maharaja Foods.

The Food, Beverage and Tobacco sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Lanka Milk Foods and Sunshine Holdings), whilst the sector index gained 0.91%. The share price of Lanka Milk Foods recorded a gain of Rs. 1.20 to Rs. 50.20. The share price of Sunshine Holdings appreciated by Rs. 0.10 to Rs. 24.40.

The Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Hemas Holdings and ACL Cables), whilst the sector index decreased by 0.33%. The share price of Hemas Holdings gained Rs. 0.70 to Rs. 26.30. The share price of ACL Cables moved up by Rs. 6 to Rs. 138.25.

Dialog Axiata was also included amongst the top turnover contributors, with its share price gaining Rs. 0.40 to Rs. 17.

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