CSE ends June with stellar performance

Tuesday, 1 July 2025 02:17 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Benchmark ASPI crosses 18,000-points mark for first time as both indices clock over 7% gain for the month

The Colombo stock market yesterday ended June with a stellar performance, with both indices netting 7% growth whilst the benchmark ASPI crossed the 18,000-points mark.

The ASPI yesterday gained by 0.86% to close at 18,026 points, and the active S&P SL20 by 1.3%. Turnover was Rs. 6.38 billion involving 257.3 million shares.

Turnover was led by LB Finance (Rs. 448 million), Access Engineering (Rs. 398 million), JKH (Rs. 392 million), Central Finance (Rs. 255 million), and Sampath Bank (Rs. 245 million).

June marked the second consecutive gain for the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) after a lapse of over six months. The ASPI was up 13% year-to-date and the S&P SL20 by 10%. Market capitalisation was Rs. 6.43 trillion, reflecting a 13% growth.

First Capital said building on the positive investor sentiment from the previous week, the Colombo bourse continued its upward trajectory, although some selling pressure emerged during early trading hours. The ASPI surpassed the 18,000 mark for the first time in history, fuelled by strong participation from both retail and HNW investors. Accordingly, the index closed at 18,026, gaining 154 points. Notable investor interest was observed in the Banking and NBFI sectors. Key contributors to the index’s gains included CFIN, JKH, COMB, SAMP, and BUKI.

The Diversified Financials sector led the way in turnover, accounting for a 25% share, followed by the Capital Goods and Banking sectors, which together contributed around 36%. Foreign investors remained net sellers, with a net outflow of Rs. 135 million.

NDB Securities said high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in LB Finance, Access Engineering, and Kelani Tyres. Mixed interest was observed in John Keells Holdings, Central Finance Company, and Commercial Credit & Finance, whilst retail interest was noted in Beruwala Resorts, UB Finance Company, and LVL Energy Fund.

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 2.62%. The share price of LB Finance increased by Rs. 4.50 to Rs. 129.75. The share price of Central Finance Company recorded a gain of Rs. 18.50 to Rs. 263.75.

The Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Access Engineering and John Keells Holdings), whilst the sector index increased by 1.49%. The share price of Access Engineering gained Rs. 1.50 to Rs. 44. The share price of John Keells Holdings moved up by Rs. 0.50 to Rs. 22.60.

Sampath Bank was also included amongst the top turnover contributors, with its share price gaining by Rs. 2.25 to Rs. 126.50.

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