CSE sustains upward trend; crossings boost turnover to Rs. 7.59 b

Wednesday, 30 July 2025 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market sustained its upward trend yesterday with crossings boosting turnover to over Rs. 7 billion.

The benchmark ASPI gained by 0.07%, while the active S&P SL20 declined by 0.38%. Turnover was Rs. 7.59 billion involving 221.20 million shares.

Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net sellers with a net outflow of Rs. 114.2 million.

First Capital said investor optimism carried through into yesterday’s session, as the Colombo Stock Exchange witnessed yet another day of positive sentiment. The ASPI closed in the green, having gained 14 points to end at 19,532. The index witnessed an initial uptick followed by a sharp dip as investors sought after booking profits, before regaining strength, supported by gains in counters such as ACL, MELS, HAYL, CFIN and CARG.

Both retail and HNW investors remained active in the market, with heightened interest observed particularly in HNB.X shares, while daily turnover reached Rs. 7.6 billion, reflecting a 6% increase compared to the monthly average of Rs. 7.2 billion. The Banking sector dominated activity by contributing 38% of the turnover, followed by the Capital Goods sector with 26% and the Materials sector at 8%.

NDB Securities said high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Hatton National Bank nonvoting, Sierra Cables, Access Engineering. Mixed interest was observed in John Keells Holdings, Softlogic Capital and Royal Ceramics, whilst retail interest was noted in Elpitiya Plantations, Brown & Company and Abans Finance.

The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Hatton National Bank nonvoting and Hatton National Bank), whilst the sector index lost 0.18%. The share price of Hatton National Bank non-voting increased by Rs. 3.50 to close at Rs. 294. The share price of Hatton National Bank declined by 75 cents to close at Rs. 361.50.

The Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings, Sierra Cables and Access Engineering), whilst the sector index decreased by 1.07%. The share price of John Keells Holdings lost 60 cents to close at Rs 24.40. The share price of Sierra Cables moved up by 70 cents to close at Rs. 16.40. The share price of Access Engineering recorded a gain of 30 cents to close at Rs. 60.50.

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