CSE sets new benchmark, crosses 22,000 points

Saturday, 4 October 2025 01:12 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Colombo stock market extended its rally into 14th session and closed the week yesterday with the ASPI crossing the 22,000-point barrier for the first time and turnover hitting more than Rs. 9 billion.

The ASPI had gained 495.9 points during the week, up 2.24% and the S&P SL20 gained 75.94 points, up 0.12%. Foreigners were net sellers during the week with a net outflow of Rs. 389.65 million compared a net inflow of Rs. 236.6 million the previous week.

Yesterday, The ASPI closed up 0.65%, gaining 143.10 to 22,094.89. The active S&P SL20 closed 0.64% higher, up 39.30 points to 6,187.51. Turnover was Rs.9.75 billion on more than 439 million shares traded.

NDB Securities said the indices closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Melstacorp, Sampath Bank, and Dipped Products, with the turnover crossing Rs. 9.7 billion. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Lanka Credit and Business Finance, DFCC Bank, and Commercial Bank.

Mixed interest was observed in Co-Operative Insurance Company, UB Finance Company and John Keells Holdings whilst retail interest was noted in Dipped Products, Capital Alliance Holdings and Browns Investments. Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net sellers.

During the week the ASPI and the S&P SL20 gained 2.30% and 1.24% respectively whilst recording an average daily turnover of Rs. 6.66 billion.

The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Commercial Bank and Pan Asia Banking Corporation) whilst the sector index gained 0.92%.

The share price of Commercial Bank gained Rs. 1.50 (0.78%) to close at Rs. 194.75. The share price of Pan Asia Banking Corporation appreciated by Rs. 2.20 (3.38%) to close at Rs. 67.20.

Diversified Financials sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Lanka Credit and Business Finance Limited) whilst the sector index increased by 0.16%. The share price of Lanka Credit and Business Finance Limited increased by Rs. 1.30 (19.70%) to close at Rs. 7.90.

C T Holdings and Dipped Products were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of C T Holdings moved down by Rs. 19.50 (2.90%) to close at Rs. 652.50. The share price of Dipped Products recorded a gain of Rs. 5.20 (7.90%) to close at Rs. 71.00.

First Capital Research said that while the bullish sentiment in Colombo Stock Exchange continued for the 14th consecutive day, ASPI hit a new record high and ended the day at 22,095. This marked a gain of 143 points to the index.

Both retail and HNW investors demonstrated robust engagement throughout the session. MELS, SAMP, DIPD, HAYL and COMB were the top positive contributors to the index.

Turnover for the day stood at Rs. 9.8 billion, reflecting an increase of 45% compared to the monthly average that stands at around Rs. 6.8 billion. Significant HNW participation was observed in LCBF, which accounted for 14% of total turnover.

Banking sector took the lead in terms of sector wise contributions to turnover, with a share of 23%, followed by Diversified Financials sector and Capital Goods sector which produced a combined contribution of 37%. Foreign investors turned net sellers, recording a net outflow of Rs. 149 million.