CSE down 1.52% during week

Saturday, 19 September 2026 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market ended a bearish week on the up yesterday, ending a four-day losing streak.

During the week, the ASPI fell 1.52% and the active S&P SL20 was down 1.22% on sustained selling pressure driven by rising oil prices due to escalating tensions in the Middle East and the yields uptick of Government Treasuries during the week.

Yesterday, ASPI closed Friday up 0.16% or 32.83 points at 21,056.26 and the S&P SL20 ended up 0.07% or 3.93 points at 5,928.89 after global oil prices eased. Market turnover was over Rs. 1.3 billion on over 39 million shares traded.

Foreign investors were net sellers on a net outflow of over Rs. 5.9 million. Top contributors to the ASPI were DIAL, MELS, HAYL, HAYC and CARS.

First Capital Research said the bourse edged higher supported by relatively low oil prices and positive movements in index-heavy counters, which helped the market recover from recent declines. However, market volatility was evident throughout the session before the market ultimately closed higher, reflecting mixed investor sentiment amid continued volatility in global oil prices.

The ASPI gained with HNW investors accounting for a significant share of activity, while retail investor participation continued to remain average. The capital goods sector led the daily turnover with a share of 27%, followed by the banking, and materials sectors collectively contributing 32%.