CSE slumps over 250 points as banking counters weigh heavily

By Almas Equities Research 

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) ended sharply lower on Monday, extending its negative run and delivering a weak start to the week. The ASPI fell 257.01 points (-1.25%) to close at 20,355.39, while the S&P SL20 declined 74.28 points (-1.26%) to 5,798.84.

The session was marked by heightened volatility, with a swing of 307 points recorded between the day’s high and low. Investor sentiment remained broadly cautious, with 201 decliners far outweighing just 32 gainers.

Turnover came in at LKR 4.06 Bn, supported by crossings worth LKR 0.72 Bn (18% of total turnover). The largest crossing by value was in HNB.N (LKR 334 Mn), while the largest by volume was in PABC.N, which saw 1.88 Mn shares traded.

The Banking sector dominated activity, accounting for 30% of total turnover. Within the sector, HNB.N led with LKR 448 Mn in trades, reflecting heavy institutional participation.

Index Movers:

Top positive contributors: BUKI.N (+3.82 index points), DOCK.N, PAP.N, BIL.N, and PLR.N.

Top negative contributors: COMB.N (-24.16 index points), SAMP.N, DFCC.N, HNB.N, and MELS.N.

Among notable trades, PAP.N attracted strong investor interest with turnover of LKR 169.53 Mn, surging 8.60% to reach a new all-time high (ATH).