Mixed investor sentiments at Colombo stock market

Thursday, 14 August 2025 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market produced mixed sentiments yesterday amidst volatile investor activity.

The benchmark ASPI gained by 0.01%, while the active S&P SL20 dipped by 0.19%. Turnover was Rs. 4.46 billion involving 136.44 million shares. Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners turned net buyers with a net inflow of Rs. 498.3 million.

First Capital said continuing the mixed sentiment seen over the past few days, the Colombo Bourse yesterday experienced a volatile trading session, with the index fluctuating throughout the day. Profit-taking was also observed at midday.

However, the index recovered towards the end of the session, closing marginally higher at 19,976 marking a gain of 3 points. Increased participation from retail investors was also noted.

Stocks such as CTC, DIAL, HNB, PKME, and LLUB contributed positively to the index’s performance. Yesterday’s turnover amounted to Rs. 4.5 billion, marking a 33% decrease from the monthly average of around Rs. 6.6 billion. The Transportation sector dominated turnover, contributing 18% on the back of PKME crossing, followed by the Diversified Financials and Banking sectors with a combined contribution of 31%.

NDB Securities said high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Digital Mobility Solutions Lanka, Singer Sri Lanka, and Hatton National Bank.

Mixed interest was observed in LVL Energy Fund, Associated Motor Finance Company and John Keells Holdings, whilst retail interest was noted in Industrial Asphalts, Beruwala Resorts and Softlogic Capital.

Transportation sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Digital Mobility Solutions Lanka) whilst the sector index gained 7.75%. The share price of Digital Mobility Solutions Lanka increased by Rs. 7.65 to close at Rs. 105.75.

Diversified Financials sector was the second-highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Associated Motor Finance Company), whilst the sector index decreased by 0.34%. The share price of Associated Motor Finance Company appreciated by Rs. 8.70 to close at Rs. 88.10.

Singer Sri Lanka, LVL Energy Fund Ltd., and Hatton National Bank non-voting were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Singer Sri Lanka gained Rs. 1.50 to close at Rs. 67.40. The share price of LVL Energy Fund Ltd., moved up by 50 cents to close at Rs. 8.50. The share price of Hatton National Bank non-voting recorded a gain of 50 cents to close at Rs. 299.50.