CSE ends lower as investor activity slows ASPI and S&P SL20 decline

By Almas Equities Research 

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) closed on a negative note, reversing its recent upward momentum. The downturn was attributed to low investor activity during the day.

The All Share Price Index (ASPI) continued its negative momentum throughout the session, ultimately declining 61.43 points (-0.37 percent) to close at 16,336.25. Similarly, the S&P SL20 index declined by 23.85 points (-0.49 percent) to end the session at 4,811.19.

Total market turnover amounted to Rs  1.51 billion, with 58.406 million shares traded. Market breadth reflected a negative sentiment, with 55 gainers and 127 losers contributing to the overall movement of the ASPI.

Cargills (Ceylon)  PLC (CARG.N) emerged as the top contributor to the ASPI, adding 2.62 points, while Hatton National Bank PLC (HNB.N) was the largest detractor, subtracting 6.34 points. The Banking sector led sectoral turnover with Rs. 0.340 billion, accounting for nearly 22 percent of total market turnover.

Crossing transactions also played a significant role, contributing approximately Rs.137.452 million roughly 9 percent of the day’s turnover. The largest crossings were recorded in shares of Sampath Bank  PLC (SAMP.N), totaling Rs. 37.70 million with 330,000 shares traded.