Profit-taking drags Colombo stock market down

Friday, 18 July 2025 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market yesterday remained in the negative mode due to profit-taking by investors.

The benchmark ASPI dipped by 0.04% and the active S&P SL 20 by 0.69%. Turnover was over Rs. 6.2 billion involving 358.07 million shares.

Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net sellers with a net outflow of Rs. 115.2 million.

First Capital said investor sentiment at the Colombo Bourse remained mixed, extending the trend from the previous session. The index saw a sharp downturn in early trading driven by profit-taking activity.

Although the market gradually stabilised with sideways movement throughout the day, it failed to fully recover from the previous day’s losses. Ultimately, the ASPI closed marginally lower, shedding 8 points to end at 18,877.

JKH, COMB, MELS, SAMP and NDB emerged as the top negative contributors to the index. Amidst high participation from HNW and retail investors turnover stood at Rs. 6.2 billion, representing a 4% decrease from the monthly average standing at Rs. 6.5 billion.

The Consumer Services sector dominated activity, accounting for 34% of total turnover, followed by the Capital Goods and Banking sectors, which jointly contributed around 38%.

NDB Securities said high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in John Keells Hotels, Access Engineering and Jetwing Symphony. Mixed interest was observed in John Keells Holdings, The Kingsbury and Vallibel One, whilst retail interest was noted in Cargills Bank, Janashakthi Insurance Company and Haycarb. The Consumer Services sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Hotels, Jetwing Symphony Ltd. and The Kingsbury), whilst the sector index gained 7.68%. The share price of John Keells Hotels gained Rs. 1.20 to close at Rs. 21.70. The share price of Jetwing Symphony Ltd. moved up by Rs. 4.60 to close at Rs. 16.50. The share price of The Kingsbury appreciated by Rs. 2.20 to close at Rs. 16.

Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Access Engineering and John Keells Holdings), whilst the sector index decreased by 0.35%. The share price of Access Engineering increased by Rs. 5 to close at Rs. 63. The share price of John Keells Holdings recorded a loss of 30 cents to close at Rs. 25.30.

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