CSE ends down 1.6% to below 22,000 points on Mideast concerns

Friday, 13 March 2026 00:20 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

ASPI movement since 27 February 2026

ASPI falls 7.4% since Mideast conflict began on 27 Feb., S&P SL20 down 7%

Colombo stocks fell sharply ending below the 22,000-point mark yesterday, as global oil prices edged higher amid rising tensions in the Middle East.

The ASPI ended down 1.63% or 363.43 points at 21,998.12, and the active S&P SL20 was down 1.71% or 107.42 points at 6,172.28.

Market turnover was over Rs. 4.1 billion on nearly 140 million shares traded. Foreign investors were net buyers on a net inflow of Rs. 32.2 million.

First Capital Research said the Colombo bourse declined as investors reacted to rising global uncertainty. Escalating tensions and war in the Middle East have pushed global crude oil prices sharply higher, with supply disruptions around key shipping routes increasing fears of prolonged instability.

Market breadth was negative, with 207 counters declining during the session, led by JKH, HNB, MELS, HAYL, and SAMP. HNW investor participation remained strong, led by MELS, ACL, and LLUB in crossings transactions, while retail investor interest was moderate.

The Capital Goods sector led daily turnover with a share of 32%, followed by the Diversified Financials and Food, Beverage, and Tobacco sectors collectively contributing 35%.

According to First Capital Research, since the Middle East conflict broke out on 27 February, the ASPI had declined 7.4%, losing 1,746 points, while the S&P SL20 has recorded a cumulative drop of 464 points, down 6.9%, compared to the pre-war level of 6,636.

Asia Securities Research said yesterday’s decline was primarily led by price losses in AEL, JKH, HHL, MELS, SINS, and ACL. Turnover was led by MELS (Rs. 450 million), ACL (Rs. 374 million), and LCBF (Rs. 334 million). JKH (-26 points), HNB.N (-22 points), and MELS (-16 points) were the biggest laggards on the ASPI movement. Market breadth remained negative as 36 price gainers were outweighed by 207 price decliners.

Net foreign buying topped in PKME.N at Rs. 28.4 million, while net foreign selling topped in JKH.N at Rs. 47 million. Crossings accounted for 30.7% of turnover led by MELS.N (Rs. 442.2 million), ACL.N (Rs. 234 million), and LLUB.N (Rs. 141.7 million). Market P/E was 10.88.