CSE ends mixed as ASPI gains and S&P SL20 slightly eases

By Almas Equities Research 

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) closed today’s trading session on a mixed note, continuing the trend seen in the previous session. The All Share Price Index (ASPI) surged nearly 112 points within the first half hour of trading but later eased from its intraday highs, ultimately closing with a gain of 96.45 points or 0.49% at 19,923.02. In contrast, the S&P SL20 Index edged down by 0.48 points or 0.01% to close at 5,824.91. Market turnover reached LKR 3.14 billion with 105.89 million shares traded, while crossings accounted for LKR 103.71 million, representing approximately 3.3% of the day’s total turnover.

The Banks sector emerged as the top contributor to sectoral turnover, accounting for nearly 25% of overall market activity. A total of 85 companies ended in positive territory, while 128 posted declines. Key positive contributors included CTHR.N, which recorded a turnover of LKR 7.71 million from 11,320 shares, alongside CARG, CINS.N, CARS.N, and DIAL.N. HEXP.N delivered an impressive performance with a 20.53% price surge. On the downside, NDB.N was the largest negative contributor, recording LKR 35.27 million in turnover from 250,676 shares traded, while VONE.N, JKH.N, CFIN.N, and TKYO.N also weighed on the indices.

Crossing activity was led by HNB.N, which posted the highest turnover from  trades at LKR 59.8 million. TILE.N recorded the highest crossing volume with 380,000 shares changing hands. JKH.N also saw heavy trading interest despite contributing negatively to the index. The day’s performance reflected selective buying interest in key counters coupled with profit-taking in several index heavyweights, underscoring the market’s mixed sentiment.