CSE ends week in decline amid foreign selling

Saturday, 1 November 2025 01:27 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Colombo stock market yesterday ended the week in red after a three-day rally amid foreign selling.

The ASPI was down 0.15%, 34.69 points lower to 22,804.84. The active S&P SL20 index however closed in green, up 0.18% gaining 11.20 points to 6,213.91.

Turnover was more Rs. 5.6 billion on over 154.8 shares traded. Foreign selling was considerable with foreign net outflow amounting to Rs. 893 million yesterday.

Compared to a week ago, the ASPI was down 7.68 points, a marginal 0.03% decline, while the S&P SL20 fell 52.40 points, a 0.83% decline.

Foreigners were net sellers during the week with a net inflow of nearly Rs. 2 billion.

First Capital Research said the Colombo Bourse remained largely in consolidation mode during the early session yesterday but trended downward in the latter part of the day, closing in negative territory.

Retail participation remained moderate throughout the session, while strong HNW activity was observed, primarily driven by large-scale crossings in SPEN and LGL.

Key negative contributors to the index included BUKI, LION, CARS, RICH, and HARI.

Market turnover reflected a 26% decline compared to the monthly average of Rs. 7.5 billion.

The Capital Goods sector led market activity, contributing 29% of total turnover, followed by the Materials and Diversified Financials sectors, which collectively accounted for 23%.

NDB Securities that high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Aitken Spence, Laugfs Gas and Hayleys.

Mixed interest was observed in John Keells Holdings, Chevron Lubricants and JAT Holdings whilst retail interest was noted in Industrial Asphalts, Browns Investments and LOLC Finance.

The Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover due to Aitken Spence, Hayleys and John Keells Holdings while the sector index gained 0.56%.

The share price of Aitken Spence decreased by Rs. 1 to close at Rs. 163.50 while Hayleys moved down by 75 cents to close at Rs. 194.25 and John Keells Holdings appreciated by 40 cents to Rs. 21.10.

Materials sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover due to Chevron Lubricants while the sector index decreased by 0.34%.

The share price of Chevron Lubricants recorded a gain of Rs. 4 to close at Rs. 184 and LAUGFS Gas was also included amongst the top turnover with the share gaining Rs. 1.50 to close at Rs. 67.