CSE sees net foreign inflow of over Rs. 500 m; Indices edge up

Thursday, 22 May 2025 04:52 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market yesterday managed to stage a recovery with an improvement in investor activity whilst foreigners continued to be net buyers, with a recent high inflow of Rs. 510 million.

The benchmark ASPI gained by 0.12% and the active S&P SL20 by 0.11%. Turnover was Rs. 2.43 billion involving 171 million shares. The market on Tuesday (20) dipped, ending a four-day winning streak.

First Capital said the ASPI experienced early gains before retreating sharply mid-session, followed by a recovery that saw it end the day in positive territory.

Key positive contributors included CARG, DIAL, CFLB, LLUB, and CTHR.

Market turnover rose to Rs. 2.4 billion, aligning closely with the monthly average. The Capital Goods sector dominated trading activity, accounting for 27% of total turnover, while the Banking and Diversified Financials sectors collectively contributed 30%.

Notably, foreign investors recorded a net inflow of Rs. 510.4 million.

NDB Securities said high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in John Keells Holdings, Vallibel One, and Union Bank. Mixed interest was observed in Dialog Axiata, Commercial Bank, and Access Engineering, whilst retail interest was noted in Nation Lanka Finance, Lanka Credit and Business Finance, and ACME Printing & Packaging.

The Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings and Vallibel One), whilst the sector index gained 0.33%. The share price of John Keells Holdings increased by Rs. 0.10 to Rs. 21.20. The share price of Vallibel One recorded a gain of Rs. 0.50 to Rs. 69.10.

The Banking sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Commercial Bank and Union Bank) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.15%. The share price of Commercial Bank closed flat at Rs. 143. The share price of Union Bank appreciated by Rs. 0.50 to Rs. 10.80.

Dialog Axiata was also included amongst the top turnover contributors, with its share price gaining by Rs. 0.40 to Rs. 15.80.

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