CSE rebounds strong 2.17% as global oil prices fall

Wednesday, 11 March 2026 01:53 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market rebounded sharply yesterday after the previous session’s panic selling induced by oil prices breaking the $ 100 per barrel barrier due to the Mideast conflict.

The ASPI ended on the up by 2.17% or 474.38 points to 22,378.52 and the S&P SL20 was up 2.47% or 151.56 points to 6,280.42. Market turnover was nearly Rs. 4.48 billion on over 236 million shares traded.

The rebound follows trends elsewhere after Asian markets reported encouraging gains yesterday with global oil prices falling below $ 95 per barrel on news that US President Donald Trump was expecting the Mideast war to end soon.

First Capital Research said the bourse recorded broad-based gains, with indices advancing steadily from the opening bell. Market breadth shifted into positive territory, driven by gains in the banking sector and select blue-chip counters, notably HNB, SAMP, COMB, JKH, and DIAL.

Retail and HNW investor participation remained at average levels. The capital goods sector led the daily turnover with a share of 17%, followed by the food beverage and tobacco and diversified financials sectors, which collectively contributed 29%. Foreign investors remained net sellers, posting a net outflow of Rs. 155.4 million.

NDB Securities said the indices closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Hatton National Bank, Sampath Bank and Commercial Bank.

High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Renuka Hotels, Softlogic Holdings and Singer Sri Lanka. Mixed interest was observed in Softlogic Capital, HVA Foods and Lanka Milk Foods whilst retail interest was noted in Cargills Bank, SMB Leasing and Browns Investments.

The capital goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover due to Softlogic Holdings whilst the sector index gained 2.96%. The share price of Softlogic Holdings moved up by Rs. 3.40 to close at Rs. 10.60.

The food, beverage and tobacco sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover due to Lanka Milk Foods and HVA Foods while the sector index increased by 2.69%. The share price of Lanka Milk Foods gained Rs. 3.20 to close at Rs. 89.30. The share price of HVA Foods closed flat at Rs. 7.20.

Softlogic Capital and Renuka Hotels Ltd., were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Softlogic Capital increased by Rs. 2.30 to close at Rs. 13.40. The share price of Renuka Hotels appreciated by Rs. 6.00 to Rs. 232.00.