Colombo stock market extends gains as investor confidence strengthens

By Almas Equites Research

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) witnessed a clear positive trajectory today, as both major indices advanced steadily throughout the trading session. The S&P SL20 outpaced the broader ASPI, supported by index-heavy counters and buoyed by strong performances in other blue chip stocks.

The session was largely driven by renewed investor interest in the Diversified Financials sector, which recorded the highest sector turnover of LKR 3.10 billion. Illiquid counters in this sector showed notable gains, reflecting a growing appetite for selective high-potential stocks.

The All Share Price Index (ASPI) closed at 22,318.72 points, gaining 143.98 points or 0.65%, while the S&P SL20 rose 63.65 points, or 1.03%, to finish at 6,226.03 points. Total turnover for the day reached LKR 8.45 billion, with 538.15 million shares changing hands. Crossings contributed LKR 1.99 billion, representing 23% of total turnover. MERC.N recorded the largest turnover through crossings at LKR 990 million, while CALH.N led the crossings in trading volume with 8.59 million shares exchanged. Market breadth remained positive, with 137 gainers compared to 90 decliners.

Top contributors to the market’s gains included JKH.N, which added 33.68 points, followed by HNB.N, LFIN.N, COMB.N, and PKME.N. On the downside, DFCC.N led the drag with a loss of 10.11 points, while CFIN.N, DIMO.N, FCT.N, and NDB.N also weighed on the index.

Investor attention was particularly drawn to CFVF.N, which recorded a turnover of LKR 358.65 million following the announcement of a LKR 7.00 dividend, offering an attractive yield of 10%. The counter saw heightened trading activity as investors sought to capture dividend-related gains.

Overall, today’s market activity reflects growing investor confidence, supported by strong sectoral performance and positive momentum in key blue-chip counters.