ASPI surpasses 23,300 amid pre-budget optimism

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) saw a strong rally today, with the All-Share Price Index (ASPI) crossing the 23,300 milestone, fueled by investor optimism ahead of the upcoming GOSL 2026 budget discussions. Momentum was largely driven by blue-chip and heavyweight counters, sustaining bullish sentiment throughout the session.

The ASPI gained 225.77 points (+0.98%) to close at 23,338.25, while the S&P SL20 advanced 71.21 points (+1.13%) to settle at 6,381.47. Total market turnover reached LKR 6.70 billion, with 208.53 million shares traded, reflecting active investor participation.

The Capital Goods sector continued to dominate market activity, contributing LKR 1.53 billion (22% of total turnover). JKH.N led the sector with LKR 337 million in trades, highlighting robust institutional participation and sustained investor confidence in the counter.

Crossings accounted for LKR 863 million (13% of total turnover). The largest crossing by turnover occurred in DFCC.N with LKR 245 million, while PLC.N recorded the highest crossing by volume, trading 5.0 million shares.

Market breadth reflected a slightly negative tone, with 131 gainers and 97 decliners, indicating mild consolidation after the recent upward momentum.

Top contributors included SFCL.N (+60.93 points), COMB.N, SAMP.N, HNB.N, and VONE.N, while CTHR.N (-13.34 points) led the laggards, followed by CCS.N, BUKI.N, BIL.N, and SDB.N.

Among notable trades, JKH.N stood out with a turnover of LKR 337 million and 15.43 million shares traded, signaling heightened retail participation and short-term speculative interest in the counter.