CSE up 3.56% during week, but ends in red

Saturday, 28 March 2026 00:46 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Weekly ASPI movement (Source: CSE)

Colombo stocks yesterday failed to sustain a strong rebound in early trading to end the volatile week in red.

Both indices ended on the up compared to a week earlier with the ASPI gaining 3.56% or 736 points during the week while the active S&P SL20 gained 4.3% or 247 points. Foreign investors were net sellers on a net outflow of over Rs. 1.2 billion.

Yesterday, the ASPI ended down 0.21% or 44.21 points to 21,375.73 and the S&P SL20 was down 0.59% or 35.53 points to 5,999.99. Market turnover was nearly Rs. 2.7 billion on over 145.5 million shares traded. Foreign investors were net sellers with net outflow at over Rs. 1.2 million.

NDB Securities said the indices closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Hatton National Bank, Melstacorp and Commercial Bank. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in CIC Holdings, Hatton National Bank and Lanka Milk Foods.

Mixed interest was observed in ACME Printing and Packaging, Jetwing Symphony and Colombo Dockyard, whilst retail interest was noted in Industrial Asphalts, Co-Operative Insurance Company and Mackwoods Energy.

The materials sector was the top contributor to market turnover due to CIC Holdings and ACME Printing and Packaging with the sector index falling 1.36%. The share price of CIC Holdings decreased by 50 cents to close at Rs. 30.50 and ACME Printing and Packaging was down 20 cents to Rs. 6.40.

The capital goods sector was the second highest contributor to market turnover due to Colombo Dockyard, while the sector index decreased by 1.84%. The share price of Colombo Dockyard recorded a loss of Rs. 8.25 to close at Rs. 129.

Jetwing Symphony and Prime Lands Residencies were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Jetwing Symphony moved up 1o cents to Rs. 14.60 and Prime Lands Residencies ended down Rs. 2.70 at Rs. 50.20.

First Capital Research said that mounting uncertainty surrounding US-Iran peace negotiations, coupled with the volatility in global oil prices, the bourse drifted into negative territory.

JKH, NDB, CARG, RICH and DOCK stood out as the top negative contributors to the ASPI. Market sentiment remained subdued. Participation from both HNW and retail investors indicated below average levels.

The consumer durables and apparel sector dominated activity, contributing 22% to turnover, while the capital goods and materials sectors jointly accounted for 30%.

Asia Securities said net foreign buying topped in DFCC.N at Rs. 35.2 million while net foreign selling topped in SIRA.N at Rs. 9 million. Crossings accounted for 12% of turnover led by DIMO.N (Rs. 207.5 million), WAPO.N (Rs. 31.9 million), and DFCC.N (Rs. 28.9 million). Market P/E was 10.77. Market breadth emerged positive with 126 counters gaining and 101 counters declining.