CSE closes negatively with both ASPI and S&P SL20 posting declines

By Almas Equities Research 

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) closed the day and the week on a negative note, following a consistent upward trend earlier in the week. The All Share Price Index (ASPI) declined by 40.49 points, or 0.23%, to close at 17,394.45. Similarly, the S&P SL20 Index recorded a loss of 10.83 points, representing a 0.21% decrease, to end the day at 5,175.95. The decline was primarily attributed to profit-taking by investors. Despite this dip, overall market sentiment remains positive.

Total market turnover amounted to LKR 4.220 billion, with 189.230 million shares traded. Market breadth reflected a negative sentiment, with 102 gainers and 121 losers contributing to the overall movement of the ASPI.

Hatton National Bank (HNB.N) emerged as the top contributor to the ASPI, adding 8.23 points, while Sampath Bank PLC (SAMP.N) was the largest detractor, subtracting 13.43 points. The Capital Goods sector led sectoral turnover with LKR 0.773 billion, accounting for nearly 19% of total market turnover.

Crossing transactions were involved today trading session, contributing approximately LKR 0.313 billion roughly 8% of the day’s turnover. The largest crossings were recorded in shares of  Hayleys Fabrics (MGT.N), totaling LKR 127.59  million with 2.93 million shares traded.