ASPI plunges over 700 Points below 15,000 as global trade fears grip market

By Almas Equities Research

The All Share Price Index (ASPI) tumbled over  700 points today, crashing below the 15,000 mark as global economic tensions spilled over into the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE). 

The sell-off was fueled by heightened uncertainty over new U.S. tariffs, sparking volatility across international markets. Several nations have now engaged in talks with the U.S. to renegotiate trade terms and mitigate potential fallout.

The CSE opened with heavy turnover and volume, setting a bearish tone early in the session. Within the first hour, the S&P SL20 Index plummeted sharply, triggering the circuit breaker as most of its constituents posted steep losses. Banking and Capital Goods stocks led the decline, dragging the broader market deeper into negative territory.

At the close, the ASPI settled at 14,660.45, down 4.64 percent, with a total turnover of Rs.6.47 Bn across 188.30 million shares. The S&P SL20 Index fared worse, nosediving 5.92 percent  to end at 4,264.84.

The top positive contributor to the ASPI was Nation Lanka Finance PLC (CSF.N), adding 1.65 points, while the top negative contributor was Commercial Bank PLC (COMB.N), dragging the index down by 64.5 points.

Investor interest remained active in crossings, with Diesel & Motor Engineering PLC (DIMO) recording a major Rs.948.68 million block deal. The transaction, involving 0.90 Mn shares, was executed at Rs.1,050.00 per a share—well above the day’s closing price of Rs.956.75.

Market participants are now closely monitoring U.S. trade discussions, hoping for diplomatic progress that could ease global economic pressures and stabilize the CSE’s downward spiral.