CSE indices soar; turnover tops Rs. 11 b as market ends on a high

Thursday, 21 August 2025 05:32 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market sustained its high level yesterday amidst healthy turnover fuelled by bullish investor sentiments.

The benchmark ASPI surged past the 20,700 mark for the first time, setting a fresh record and reinforcing confidence in the market in the wake of the UK’s upgraded trade reforms.

The ASPI gained 143.73 points or 0.70%, pushing it above the 20,700 milestone to close at 20,714.80, while the active S&P SL20 gained by 49.08 points or 0.8%.

First Capital said continuing its positive momentum, the Colombo stock market yesterday witnessed a bullish trend driven by heightened activity from both retail and HNW investors.

The ASPI surged by 144 points, closing the day at 20,715. Banking sector stocks and conglomerates provided significant upward pressure on the index. Key contributors to the gains included JKH, HNB, SAMP, BUKI, and NDB.

Notably, there was also a marked increase in investor interest in Transportation sector-related companies. On the back of multiple crossings, turnover for the day amounted to Rs. 11.1 billion, marking an 86% increase from the monthly average of around Rs. 6 billion. The Banking sector dominated turnover, contributing 39%, followed by the Diversified Financials and Capital Goods sectors with a combined contribution of 32%.

Foreign investors remained net sellers, with a net outflow of Rs. 1.1 billion.

NDB Securities said high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Hatton National Bank, HNB Finance, and Hatton National Bank nonvoting. Mixed interest was observed in LVL Energy Fund, Sierra Cables, and Sampath Bank, whilst retail interest was noted in Industrial Asphalts, UB Finance Company, and Beruwala Resorts.

The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Hatton National Bank, Hatton National Bank non-voting, and Sampath Bank), whilst the sector index gained 1.27%. The share price of Hatton National Bank increased by Rs. 7 to close at Rs. 406. The share price of Hatton National Bank nonvoting edged up by Rs. 0.25 to close at Rs. 317.25. The share price of Sampath Bank appreciated by Rs. 2 to close at Rs. 147.

The Diversified Financials sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to HNB Finance), whilst the sector index decreased by 0.17%. The share price of HNB Finance gained Rs. 1 to close at Rs. 9.10.

LVL Energy Fund Ltd., was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of LVL Energy Fund Ltd., recorded a gain of Rs. 0.90 to close at Rs. 10.50.