CSE records modest gains

By Almas Equities Research 

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) began the week on a positive footing, with the All Share Price Index (ASPI) climbing nearly 122 points in early trading. While the market experienced a slight loss in momentum as the session progressed, it managed to close with a gain of 50.15 points (+0.26%) at 19,517.86. The S&P SL20 Index also advanced by 19.47 points (+0.34%) to close at 5,744.51. Turnover stood at LKR 6.16 billion with a share volume of 162.33 million, reflecting a moderate pace compared to recent sessions.

Crossings contributed significantly to market liquidity, accounting for LKR 1.12 billion (18.17% of total turnover), with HNB.X leading in crossing turnover at LKR 222.06 million and RCL.N recording the highest crossing volume with 3.5 million shares. 

The Capital Goods sector led sectoral turnover, contributing 30.35% of total trades. RCL.N was the top contributor to ASPI with a turnover of LKR 772.62 million from 17.98 million shares traded. Other notable contributors included MELS.N, HHL.N, LFIN.N, and CTHR.N, while CFI.N saw a strong price increase of 13.70%. On the downside, LOLC.N, LION.N, BIL.N, HAYL.N, and AEL.N exerted pressure on the broader market. A total of 97 stocks closed in the green contributing to the ASPI to incline, while 123 declined.

Market activity was relatively subdued, driven by investor caution amid ongoing discussions between the Sri Lankan government and U.S. officials on potential tariff reductions from the current 30%.