CSE ends mixed due to subdued trading activity

By Almas Equities Research 

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) closed the day on a mixed note, with overall investor activity remaining relatively subdued. Both market turnover and share volume declined in comparison to recent sessions, which had experienced heightened trading activity. The All Share Price Index (ASPI) recorded a marginal gain of 3.85 points, or 0.02%, closing at 17,661.45. In contrast, the S&P SL20 Index declined by 11.15 points, or 0.21%, to close at 5,275.01.

Total market turnover amounted to LKR 3.69 billion, with 171.25 million shares traded. Market breadth reflected a negative sentiment, with 92 gainers and 114 losers contributing to the overall movement of the ASPI.

Cargills (Ceylon) PLC (CARG.N) emerged as the top contributor to the ASPI, adding 10.34 points, while Hatton National Bank PLC (HNB.N) was the largest detractor, subtracting 10.77 points. The Diversified Financial sector led sectoral turnover with LKR 0.927 billion, accounting for nearly 25% of total market turnover.

Crossing transactions were involved today trading session, contributing approximately LKR 276.456 million roughly 7% of the day’s turnover. The largest crossings were recorded in shares of  Sampath Bank (SAMP.N), totaling LKR 98.74  million with 814,000 shares traded.