CSE closes down for third consecutive session

Wednesday, 29 October 2025 04:13 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market fell for the third consecutive session yesterday on selling pressure.

The ASPI closed 0.44% lower, down 99.57 points to 22,689.22 and S&P SL20 closed down 0.84%, losing 52.54 points to 6,203.09.

Turnover was Rs. 6.19 billion on more than 211.8 million shares traded. Foreigners were net sellers with a net inflow of Rs. 42.48 million.

NDB Securities said the ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as John Keells Holdings, Senkadagala Finance and Sampath Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 6.1 billion.

A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Hatton Plantations, Laugfs Gas and C M Holdings.

Mixed interest was observed in Colombo Dockyard, John Keells Holdings and Lanka Realty Investments whilst retail interest was noted in UB Finance Company, SMB Leasing and Hikkaduwa Beach Resort.

Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net sellers. The Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Colombo Dockyard and John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index lost 0.61%.

The share price of Colombo Dockyard increased by Rs. 58.75 (21.60%) to close at Rs. 330.75. The share price of John Keells Holdings lost 40 Cents (1.88%) to close at Rs 20.90.

Food, Beverage & Tobacco sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover whilst the sector index decreased by 0.22%. C M Holdings, Lanka Realty Investments and Laugfs Gas were also included amongst the top turnover contributors.

The share price of C M Holdings moved up by Rs. 11.30 (16.82%) to close at Rs. 78.50. The share price of Lanka Realty Investments recorded a gain of Rs. 6.80 (24.29%) to close at Rs. 34.80. The share price of Laugfs Gas appreciated by 70 Cents (1.14%) to close at Rs. 61.90.

First Capital Research said the ASPI initially surpassed the 22,800 mark during early trading; however, heightened selling pressure dragged the index below 22,600 by midday.

Despite this, selling momentum eased during the latter half of the session, allowing the market to recover partially and close at 22,689, reflecting a decline of 100 points compared to the previous session.

Retail participation remained robust, with notable interest in DOCK, while HNW activity was comparatively moderate.

Key negative contributors to the index included JKH, SFCL, SAMP, CTHR, and LOLC. Market turnover amounted to Rs. 6.2 billion, approximately 17% below the monthly average of Rs. 7.4 billion.

The Capital Goods sector led market activity, accounting for 33% of total turnover, followed by the Food, Beverage, and Banking sectors, which jointly contributed 21%.

Meanwhile, foreign investors turned net sellers, recording a net outflow of Rs. 42.5 million for the day.