ASPI hits record high as CSE begins week on the up with Rs. 9.5 b turnover

Tuesday, 15 July 2025 02:42 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market started the new week and sustained its all-time high level yesterday amidst healthy turnover fuelled by bullish investor sentiment, ending the week on the up.

The benchmark ASPI surged past the 18,800 mark for the first time, setting a fresh record and reinforcing confidence in the market in the wake of certainty regarding global trade tariff dynamics.

The ASPI gained 297.13 points or 1.60%, pushing it above the 18,800 milestone to close at 18,838.39, while the active S&P SL20 gained by 142.21 points or 2.59%.

Turnover yesterday was Rs. 9.49 billion involving 520.33 million shares.

However, foreign participation in market activity remained at subdued levels, closing as net sellers with a net outflow of Rs. 327.99 million.

First Capital said, building on the previous week’s sentiment, the Colombo bourse refreshed its all-time high as investor optimism remained strong, driven by relatively low reciprocal tariff rates compared to regional peers.

The market saw an upward momentum, with the index surging to 18,838, ending the day with a gain of 297 points. Elevated participation from both HNW individuals and retail investors continued, in line with the trend observed in the past couple of days.

Interest towards blue-chip counters and Banking sector counters remained strong, with JKH, SAMP, HNB, MELS, and COMB emerging as the top positive contributors to the index. Robust investor activity resulted in a high turnover of Rs. 9.5 billion, which reflected a 74% increase over the monthly average, which is around Rs. 5.5 billion.

The Banking sector led the turnover, accounting for 31% of yesterday’s total, followed by the Capital Goods and Diversified Financials sectors, which together contributed around 32%.

NDB Securities said high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Sampath Bank, Asia Asset Finance, and Ceylinco Holdings.

Mixed interest was observed in John Keells Holdings, Tokyo Cement Company, and Pan Asia Banking Corporation, whilst retail interest was noted in First Capital, Kapruka Holdings, and Vallibel Power Erathna.

The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Sampath Bank, Seylan Bank non-voting, and Pan Asia Banking Corporation), whilst the sector index gained 3.26%.

The share price of Sampath Bank gained Rs. 5.50 to close at Rs. 137.50. The share price of Seylan Bank non-voting moved up by Rs. 3.40 to close at Rs. 64. The share price of Pan Asia Banking Corporation appreciated by Rs. 1.50 to close at Rs. 50.20.

The Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings), whilst the sector index increased by 2.84%. The share price of John Keells Holdings increased by Rs. 1 to close at Rs. 25.10.

Tokyo Cement Company non-voting was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Tokyo Cement Company non-voting recorded a gain of Rs. 1.90 to close at Rs. 73.

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