Sentiments mixed at Colombo stock market

Friday, 13 June 2025 00:12 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market yesterday ended on a mixed note with some degree of profit taking from all-time high.

The benchmark ASPI gained by only 4 points whilst the active S&P SL20 dipped by 11 points. Turnover was Rs. 3.7 billion involving 171.2 million shares.

First Capital said the market experienced a volatile trading session, as investors reacted to the implementation of the electricity tariff hike by exerting increased selling pressure.

The ASPI opened on a steady note but was soon subjected to selling pressure, declining sharply into negative territory. Around midday, the index rebounded and recovered steadily amid volatility, ultimately closing broadly unchanged. The key positive drivers of the index were CARG, LFIN, SAMP, DIAL and CFIN. HNW investors demonstrated limited activity, while retail investors remained active, with increased selling focused on conglomerates such as JKH, LOLC, and HAYL.

Turnover marked a 29% decrease relative to the monthly average of Rs. 5.2 billion. The Diversified Financials sector led today’s turnover, contributing 25%, followed by the Banking, and Capital Goods sectors, jointly accounting for 33%. Foreign investors turned net buyers, with a net inflow of Rs. 8.7 million.

NDB Securities said high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Sampath Bank, Overseas Realty and Ceylon Cold Stores. Mixed interest was observed in LB Finance, Central Finance Company and Seylan Developments whilst retail interest was noted in Nation Lanka Finance, Co-Operative Insurance Company and HNB Finance.

The Diversified Financials sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to LB Finance and Central Finance Company) whilst the sector index gained 0.80%. The share price of LB Finance gained Rs. 5.75 to Rs. 120. The share price of Central Finance Company moved up by Rs. 3.75 to Rs. 244.25.

The Banking sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Sampath Bank) whilst the sector index edged down by 0.03%. The share price of Sampath Bank increased by one Rupee to Rs. 122.

Seylan Developments and Lanka Aluminium Industries were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Seylan Developments recorded a gain of Rs. 2.60 to Rs. 30.

The share price of Lanka Aluminium Industries appreciated by Rs. 1.20 to Rs. 43.60.

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