CSE ends week in red from ‘heightened’ profit taking

Saturday, 25 October 2025 01:33 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market gave in to profit-taking pressure yesterday to close the week in red, after holding its ground in the previous two sessions.

The ASPI closed 0.17% down, losing 38.43 points to 22,812.52 and the active S&P SL20 index closed down 0.04%, losing 2.56 points to 6,266.31.

Turnover was more than Rs. 6.2 billion with over 226.7 million shares traded in the day. Foreigners were net buyers yesterday with a net inflow of Rs. 25.8 million.

During the week, the ASPI had gained 178.72 points, up 0.79% and the S&P SL20 gained a marginal 3.28 points, up 0.05%. Foreigners were net sellers during the week with a net outflow of Rs. 281.8 million.

First Capital Research said the Colombo Bourse witnessed mixed sentiment throughout the session, ultimately closing in negative territory as the ASPI declined by 38 points to settle at 22,813 amid heightened profit-taking.

Retail participation remained strong, while notable HNW interest was observed in blue-chip counters.

Key negative contributors to the index included HARI, SAMP, MELS, SFCL, and CARG.

Market turnover amounted to Rs. 6.2 billion, approximately 18% below the monthly average of Rs 7.5 billion.

The Capital Goods sector dominated activity, accounting for 23% of total turnover, while the Diversified Financials and Banking sectors collectively contributed 31%.

Meanwhile, foreign investors remained net buyers for the day, recording a modest net inflow of Rs. 25.9 million.

NDB Securities said the ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Harischandra Mills, Sampath Bank and Melstacorp with the turnover crossing Rs. 6.2 billion. Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 edged down. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Royal Ceramics, Laugfs Gas and

Colombo Dockyard.

Mixed interest was observed in LOLC Finance, Browns Investments and Sierra Cables whilst retail interest was noted in SMB Leasing, Hela Apparel Holdings and Co-Operative Insurance Company. Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net buyers.

During the week, the ASPI and the S&P SL20 gained 0.8% and 0.1% respectively, whilst recording an average daily turnover of Rs. 7.37 billion.

The Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Royal Ceramics, Colombo Dockyard and John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index gained 0.94%.

The share price of Royal Ceramics moved down by Rs. 1 (2.12%) to close at Rs. 46.10. The share price of Colombo Dockyard recorded a gain of Rs. 35.50 (19.35%) to close at Rs. 219. The share price of John Keells Holdings appreciated by 10 Cents (0.47%) to close at. Rs 21.40.

The Diversified Financials sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to LOLC Finance) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.36%.

The share price of LOLC Finance increased by 30 Cents (4.69%) to close at Rs. 6.70.

Laugfs Gas was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Laugfs Gas gained 40 Cents (0.66%) to close at Rs. 61.20.