CSE closes higher amid cautious trading ahead of policy decision

By Almas Equities Research 

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) closed on a mixed outlook today. Market activity remained subdued, with dull momentum prevailing throughout the day, as investors largely adopted a wait-and-see approach ahead of the monetary policy announcement scheduled for tomorrow by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

The All Share Price Index (ASPI) continued its positive momentum throughout the session, ultimately inclining 19.66  points (0.12percent) to close at 16,355.91. Similarly, the S&P SL20 index inclined by 5.17 points (0.11 percent) to end the session at 4,816.36.

Total market turnover amounted to Rs 2.43 billion, with 170.920 million shares traded. Market breadth reflected a negative sentiment, with 95 gainers and 98 losers contributing to the overall movement of the ASPI.

Cargills (Ceylon)  PLC (CARG.N) emerged as the top contributor to the ASPI, adding 6.49 points, while Hemas Holdings PLC (HHL.N) was the largest detractor, subtracting 4.48 points. The Capital Goods sector led sectoral turnover with Rs. 0.658 billion, accounting for nearly 27 percent of total market turnover.

Crossing transactions also played a significant role, contributing approximately Rs. 602 million roughly 25 percent of the day’s turnover. The largest crossings were recorded in shares of John Keells Holdings  PLC (JKH.N), totaling Rs.160.00 million with 7.516 million shares traded.