CSE edges down 0.1% during week, ends in red

Saturday, 26 September 2026 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market yesterday ended the week in red amid subdued investor sentiment ahead of next Wednesday’s Monetary Policy announcement of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

During the week, the ASPI declined 0.09% while the active S&P SL20 gained 0.2%.

Yesterday, the ASPI was down 0.14% or 29.54 points at 21,037.35 with 106 counters ending in red against 95 in green and the active S&P SL20 edged marginally 0.03% lower, down 2.06 points at 5,940.72.

Market turnover was below Rs. 815 million on over 26 million shares traded. Foreign investors were net sellers on a net outflow of Rs. 193.3 million.

The top contributors to the ASPI decline were DIAL, COMB, CCS, CINS and DIST.

First Capital Research said the bourse remained under pressure with the market experiencing volatility before entering a sustained downward trend. Market activity was subdued as both retail and HNW participation remained low. Retail investors largely adopted a wait-and-see approach ahead of the upcoming policy meeting, contributed to the subdued activity and continued downward trend in the market.

The banking sector led the daily turnover with a share of 30%, followed by the diversified financials, and materials sectors collectively contributing 35%.

NDB Securities said High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in National Development Bank, People’s Leasing and Finance and Dipped Products. Mixed interest was observed in CIC Holdings, Citizens Development Business Finance and Prime Lands Residencies whilst retail interest was noted in Hayleys Fabric, Sunshine Holdings and Sampath Bank.

The banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover due to National Development Bank whilst the sector index edged up by 0.12%. The share price of National Development Bank increased by Rs. 1.25 to close at Rs. 110.

The diversified financials sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover due to John Keells Holdings whilst the sector index increased by 0.19%. John Keells Holdings closed flat at Rs. 19.

People’s Leasing and Finance, Dipped Products and CIC Holdings were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. People’s Leasing and Finance lost 20 cents to Rs. 18.10, Dipped Products moved down by 30 cents to Rs. 61.10, and CIC Holdings declined 10 cents to Rs. 27.90.