CSE opens week marginally down

Tuesday, 18 August 2026 11:17 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Ending a three-session rally, the Colombo stock market yesterday opened the week in red amid mixed investor sentiment.

With 132 counters ending in red compared to 75 in green, the ASPI was down a marginal 0.03% or 6.29 points at 21,616.88 but the active S&P SL20 index closed on the up, gaining 0.31% or 18.82 points to 6,084.54.

Market turnover was nearly Rs. 1.9 billion on over 45.5 million shares traded. Foreigners were net sellers on a net outflow of Rs. 473.5 million.

The contributors to the ASPI decline were BREW, RICH, RIL, DOCK and CDB while SAMP, DIAL, BUKI, COMB and MELS were positive contributors.

First Capital Securities said the week began with mixed sentiment, while volatility was observed throughout the trading session. The market saw slightly higher retail investor interest, however the HNW engagement was low during the day.

The food, beverage and tobacco sector led the daily turnover with a share of 36%, followed by the capital goods, and banking sectors collectively contributing 30%.