CSE wraps up February in red

Saturday, 28 February 2026 01:22 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

THE Colombo stock market turned red to conclude February, with indices closing on a negative note yesterday, though turnover was healthy.

The benchmark ASPI was down by 47 points or 0.2% and the active S&P SL20 was down by 74 points or over 1%. During the month, the ASPI and the S&P lost 0.3% and 0.1% respectively, whilst registering an average daily turnover of Rs. 5.62 billion.

Turnover was Rs. 7 billion involving 369.3 million shares.

First Capital said although the overall market experienced only a small pullback, conglomerate, banking and blue-chip counters faced strong selling pressure COMB, JKH, HNB, CTC and LLUB emerged as the key negative contributors to the index. HNW participation remained robust, with total crossings amounting to Rs. 1.3 billion, accounting for 19.4% of total turnover.

Retail investor participation remained at an average level during the session, with activity largely concentrated in retail-favourite counters.

The Food Beverage and Tobacco sector led the daily turnover with a share of 27%, followed by the Diversified Financials, and Banking sectors collectively contributing 42%. Foreign investors turned net sellers, posting a net outflow of Rs. 363.8 million.

NDB Securities said high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Renuka Agri Foods, Softlogic Finance and Commercial Bank.

Mixed interest was observed in SampathBank, Softlogic Capital and John Keells Holdings, whilst retail interest was noted in Co-Operative Insurance Company, Browns Investments and Hikkaduwa Beach Resort.

Food, Beverage and Tobacco sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Renuka Agri Foods), whilst the sector index gained 0.75%. The share price of Renuka Agri Foods increased by 20 cents to close at Rs. 15.

Diversified Financials sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Softlogic Finance and LOLC Holdings), whilst the sector index increased by 0.59%. The share price of Softlogic Finance gained 70 cents to close at Rs. 7. The share price of LOLC Holdings appreciated by Rs. 6.50 to close at Rs. 580. Commercial Bank and Sampath Bank were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Commercial Bank moved down by Rs. 7.25 (3.17%) to close at Rs. 221.50. The share price of Sampath Bank recorded a loss of 25 cents to close at Rs. 160.75.