CSE ends week in red on profit taking, elevated turnover

Saturday, 31 January 2026 02:41 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market ended the week in the red amidst profit taking, elevated turnover and foreign selling.

The ASPI closed down 0.37% or 88.58 points at 23,812.31 and the active S&P SL20 was down 0.22% or 14.51 points to 6,641.15. During the week, the ASPI lost 144.2 points and the S&P SL20 lost 8.35 points. Net foreign outflow during the week was over Rs. 2.36 billion.

Yesterday, turnover was nearly Rs. 9.2 billion, around 40% higher than the average, on over 211.5 million shares traded. Foreign investors were net sellers on a net outflow

of Rs. 1.7 billion.

First Capital Research said bourse continued the previous session’s profit-taking trend, with the market gradually easing after a brief early uptick.

Top negative contributors to the ASPI were HAYL, RICH, BUKI, BREW and HARI. HNW participation remained strong, particularly in blue-chip counters, with crossings totalling Rs. 3.5 billion, accounting for 37.6% of the day’s total turnover. Retail investor activity remained at average levels.

The capital goods sector led the daily turnover with a share of 45%, followed by the banking, and diversified financial sectors collectively contributing 33%.

NDB Securities said the ASPI closed in red due to price losses in counters such as Hayleys, Richard Pieris and Company and Bukit Darah. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Hatton National Bank, Colombo Dockyard and Hemas Holdings, while mixed interest was observed in ACL Cables, Prime Lands Residencies and Softlogic Capital, and retail interest was noted in HVA Foods, Co-Operative Insurance Company and Mackwoods Energy.

The capital goods sector was the top contributor to market turnover, due to Colombo Dockyard, Hemas Holdings and ACL Cables, while the sector index lost 0.19%. The share price of Colombo Dockyard increased by Rs. 8.75 to close at Rs. 155 while the share price of Hemas Holdings moved down by 20 cents to close at Rs. 34.60, and the share price of ACL Cables recorded a gain of 25 cents to close at Rs. 101.

The banking sector was the second highest contributor to market turnover, due to Hatton National Bank, while the sector index decreased by 0.37%. The share price of Hatton National Bank lost Rs. 1.50 to Rs. 426.25.

Softlogic Capital was also included among the top turnover contributors, with its share price declining by 30 cents to close at Rs. 6.80.