Colombo bourse ends marginally lower amid sideways trading

By Almas Equities Research

The Colombo stock market concluded today’s session with marginal losses, as the indices moved within a narrow 76-point intraday range, reflecting thin and mildly volatile trading conditions. Turnover and volume improved compared to recent sessions, supported by a pickup in block trades which helped lift overall market activity.

The Banking sector dominated market turnover, recording LKR 1.43 Bn with 98.64 Mn shares traded. CBNK.N emerged as the leading contributor within the sector, generating LKR 0.85 Bn in turnover backed by 95.66 Mn shares traded. Crossings accounted for LKR 0.70 Bn, representing 14% of total market turnover, with the largest crossing recorded in COC.N amounting to LKR 0.33 Bn involving 0.48 Mn shares.

At the close, the ASPI declined by 3.17 points to settle at 23,652.51, while the S&P SL20 fell by 12.00 points to close at 6,599.52. Total market turnover stood at LKR 4.84 Bn, with share volume reaching 224.20 Mn shares. Market breadth remained negative, as 106 stocks advanced while 125 declined, indicating continued subdued pressure on equities.

In terms of index contributors, CINS.N led the positive side, followed by DOCK.N, NDB.N, LMF.N, and CTEA.N. On the downside, RICH.N weighed most on the index, with additional pressure from CFIN.N, JKH.N, RIL.N, and AEL.N. Among notable trades, LMF.N recorded strong activity during the session, posting LKR 0.29 Bn in turnover with 3.65 Mn shares traded, alongside a 9.01% gain in price.