CSE Advances Following CBSL’s Decision to Maintain Policy Rate

By Almas Equities Research 

The Colombo Stock Exchange opened positively today following the Central Bank’s decision to keep the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) unchanged at 7.75%. Investor sentiment remained upbeat throughout the session, driving the All Share Price Index (ASPI) up by 151.15 points (+0.79%) to close at 19,243.08, while the S&P SL20 also gained 32.00 points (+0.57%) to settle at 5,689.62. Market turnover stood strong at LKR 6.23 billion, supported by a share volume of 235.33 million. Crossings accounted for LKR 542 million, roughly 9% of total turnover.

The Banking sector led sectoral turnover, contributing nearly 22% of the day’s activity. DFCC Bank PLC (DFCC.N) topped the list of positive contributors to the ASPI, posting a turnover of LKR 360.01 million with 2.60 million shares traded. Stocks such as RICH.N, NDB.N, CARS.N, and NTB.N also added strength to the day’s rally. A standout performer was DOCK.N, which surged 24.85% in price amid heightened trading interest.

On the other hand, CDB.N recorded the steepest decline, with a turnover of LKR 3.35 million from 8,377 shares traded. JKH.N, LOLC.N, GLAS.N, and HASU.N also weighed negatively on the index. Notably, the highest turnover from crossings came via SUN.N, recording LKR 163.95 million in value and 5.75 million shares traded, further contributing to today’s active trading environment.