CSE recovers on high net worth interest

Wednesday, 4 February 2026 00:23 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market recovered yesterday to close on the up driven by high net worth investor activity, ending a three-session decline.

The ASPI closed 0.22% or 52.82 points on the up at 23,734.50 and the S&P SL20 was up 0.14 points to 6,597.34.

Market turnover was over Rs. 8.24 billion on 276.9 million shares traded. Foreign investors were net sellers on a net outflow of Rs. 1.3 billion.

First Capital Research said the market edged higher on strong HNW participation with 49.4% of the day’s total turnover generated through crossings, led by COMB which contributed Rs. 3.2 billion (38.9%).

The bourse moved within a narrow range, showing limited volatility as early gains gave way to consolidation, reflecting cautious and balanced investor sentiment. Top positive contributors to the ASPI were DOCK, TJL, CTC, DFCC and RICH. Retail participation remained subdued during the session.

The banking sector led the daily turnover with a share of 43%, followed by the capital goods and diversified financials collectively contributing 26%. With the sessions, net outflow, YTD foreign outflows amounted to Rs. 8.5 billion.

NDB Securities said the market gained on the back of price gains in counters such as Colombo Dockyard, Teejay Lanka and Ceylon Tobacco Company, and crossings were witnessed in Commercial Bank, Teejay Lanka and Cargills, accounting for 49.4% of total turnover.

Mixed interest was observed in Colombo Dockyard, Hayleys and Ceylon Land and Equity, while retail interest was noted in Industrial Asphalts, Mackwoods Energy and UB Finance Company.

The banking sector was the top contributor to market turnover, driven by Commercial Bank, although the sector index declined by 0.52%. The share price of Commercial Bank edged down by 25 cents to close at Rs. 224.50.

The capital goods sector was the second-highest contributor to market turnover, supported by Colombo Dockyard and Hayleys, while the sector index fell by 0.67%. The share price of Colombo Dockyard rose by Rs. 6.25 to Rs. 152.00, while Hayleys gained 50 cents to Rs. 240.25.

Teejay Lanka and Ceylon Land and Equity were also among the top turnover contributors. Teejay Lanka gained Rs. 3.20 to Rs. 36.80 and Ceylon Land and Equity was Rs. 1.50 at Rs. 16.60.