CSE down 1% during week, ends on the up

Saturday, 22 August 2026 00:48 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market yesterday closed on the up ending a week-long bearish run. During the week, the ASPI declined by 206.6 points or 1% and the S&P SL20 was down 37.6 points or 0.6%.

Yesterday the ASPI ended up 0.05% or 10.99 points at 21,416.61 and the S&P SL20 was up 0.15% or 8.84 points at 6,028.09.

Market turnover was over Rs. 1.2 billion on over 50 million shares traded.

First Capital Research said the CSE sustained a week of intraday losses for the most part, with a slight turnaround at week’s end as the market exhibited positive momentum which resulted in both indices closing higher than the previous day.

The top positive contributors to the index were MELS, CDB, SIRA, HHL and DIAL. Overall investor engagement remained subdued, of which HNW activity was particularly low, whereas retail participation appeared comparatively stronger at moderate levels.

Activity in the capital goods sector dominated turnover, contributing 39% of the total, followed by the materials, and banking sectors, which together accounted for 27%. Foreign investors remained net sellers, posting a net outflow of Rs. 58.2 million.