Colombo stock market closes up, gains 7% in August

Saturday, 30 August 2025 01:35 -     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market yesterday closed August with the benchmark ASPI gaining 7% in the month to 20,997.36, with investor sentiment buoyant for the fourth straight session.

The ASPI closed 197.10 points higher yesterday, up 0.95% while the active S&P SL20 gained 0.51% during the day, up 31.02 points to end the month at 6,076.79. Turnover was Rs. 7.38 billion yesterday, down from Rs. 7.46 billion the previous day.

First Capital Research said the Colombo Stock Exchange closed the week with strong upward momentum as market optimism sustained for a fourth consecutive session. 

The ASPI showed early strength, briefly surpassing the 21,000 level during late morning trading. Although the index experienced a period of volatility and a mild slowdown around midday, it regained traction toward the close and ended the session with a 197-point gain at 20,997, narrowly missing the 21,000-mark.

Top positive contributors to the index were CINS, DIAL, SFCL, RICH, and JKH. Turnover reached Rs. 7.4 billion, exceeding the monthly average of Rs. 6.5 billion, attributed to heightened activity, primarily from retail investors. The Consumer Services sector led turnover contributions with a 13% share, followed by the Diversified Financials and Banking sectors, which together accounted for 24%. Foreign investors turned net buyers, recording a net inflow of Rs. 184.1 million.

NDB Securities said the ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Ceylinco Holdings, Dialog Axiata, and Senkadagala Finance, with the turnover crossing Rs. 7.3 billion. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20.

High net worth and institutional investor participation were noted in Hatton National Bank, John Keells Hotels, and Sunshine Holdings. Mixed interest was observed in LVL Energy Fund, Prime Lands Residencies, and JAT Holdings whilst retail interest was noted in Muller & Phipps, Tess Agro, and Luminex. Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels, with foreigners closing as net buyers.

During the month, the ASPI and the S&P SL20 gained 6.9% and 5.5% respectively, whilst recording an average daily turnover of Rs. 6.6 billion, NDB Securities said.

COMMENTS