CSE ends week on the up, driving ASPI over 20,000 to new high

Saturday, 16 August 2025 00:19 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market yesterday ended the week on the up, while the positive sentiment drove the ASPI past 20,000 to a new all-time high.

The benchmark ASPI gained by 289.69 points or 1.45%, whilst the active S&P SL20 gained by over 114.26 points or 1.98%. Turnover was Rs. 9.54 billion involving 332.35 million shares. During the week the ASPI and the S&P SL20 gained 2% and 1.2% respectively, whilst recording an average daily turnover of Rs. 6.36 billion.

Foreign investors remained net sellers with a net outflow of Rs.18.8 million.

First Capital said the Colombo Bourse yesterday witnessed heightened investor activity and positive sentiment, with the ASPI surging past the 20,000 mark by gaining 290 points to close at 20,218. This marks a significant milestone, as the ASPI reached a fresh all-time high and entered uncharted territory. The index experienced steadfast gains and withheld its positive trajectory throughout.

The top positive contributors for the day were COMB, DFCC, LOLC, NTB and SAMP. Strong interim earnings across most banking sector stocks sparked investor interest in the sector, contributing to today’s overall market rally. Increased participation from both retail and HNW investors lifted yesterday’s turnover to Rs. 9.5 billion, marking a 49% increase from the monthly average of around Rs. 6.4 billion.

The banking sector dominated turnover, contributing 22%, followed by the Capital Goods, and Diversified Financial sectors with a combined contribution of 39%.

NDB Securities said high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in LOLC Holdings, Sampath Bank, and CT Holdings. Mixed interest was observed in Sierra Cables, Hatton National Bank and Access Engineering, whilst retail interest was noted in SMB Leasing nonvoting, Industrial Asphalts and SMB Leasing.

The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Hatton National Bank and Commercial Bank), whilst the sector index gained 2.78%. The share price of Hatton National Bank gained Rs. 1.75 to close at Rs. 379.75. The share price of Commercial Bank appreciated by Rs. 8.75 to close at Rs. 181.25.

The Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Sierra Cables and Access Engineering), whilst the sector index increased by 0.71%. The share price of Sierra Cables increased by Rs. 1.90 to close at Rs. 18.80. The share price of Access Engineering moved down by 90 cents to close at Rs. 58.90.

LOLC Holdings was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of LOLC Holdings recorded a gain of Rs. 29.25 to close at Rs. 581.