Colombo stocks extend rally into third session

Friday, 19 September 2025 00:14 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market closed up yesterday extending its rally for a third consecutive session on buoyant retailer sentiment.

The benchmark ASPI closed 0.91% higher, up 189.84 points to 20,965.26 and the active S&P SL20 gained 1.16% or 68.3 points to close at 5,971.30.

Turnover was Rs. 6.86 billion on over 254.6 million shares traded during the day.

Foreigners were net sellers with an outflow of Rs. 481.2 million, down from Rs. 580 million the previous day.

First Capital Research said retail investors sustained the market’s rally. The CSE continued to thrive on the momentum built up from the previous session, as the ASPI closed with a gain of 190 points at 20,965. The index maintained an upward trajectory throughout the day, despite brief periods of volatility.

Key contributors to the upward movement included NTB, DFCC, JKH, CINS and MELS.

Yesterday’s rally was led by the retail segment, followed by a reasonable level of HNW involvement as well.

Following the declaration of a Rs. 5 dividend by FCT, investor attention shifted toward the stock, pushing its share price up by 30.2% and making it the top price gainer of the day.

Turnover for the day reached Rs. 6.9 billion, reflecting a 9% decline compared to the monthly average that stands at around Rs. 7.6 billion.

In terms of sector-wise contribution to turnover, the diversified financials sector took the lead with a share of 24%, while the banking, and capital goods sectors followed behind with a combined contribution of 32%. Foreign investors remained net sellers, recording a net outflow of Rs. 481.2 million.