CSE wraps up the shortened trading session with improved momentum

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) continued its positive momentum from yesterday, with the All-Share Price Index (ASPI) closing above the 15,900 mark once again. Trading ended early due to the local government election, but both the ASPI and the S&P SL20 Index closed in positive territory, reflecting ongoing investor confidence.

Opening on a positive footing, the ASPI maintained momentum throughout the session, ultimately closing at 15,961.59, up 44.90 points (0.28 percent). The S&P SL20 Index also posted gains, climbing 14.83 points (0.32 percent) to settle at 4,679.65.

Total market turnover amounted to Rs 1.49 billion, with 64.75  million shares traded. Although trading activity remained strong, overall turnover was lower than the previous session, partly due to the early closure of today's trading session. Market breadth was notably positive, with 105 gainers outweighing 67 losers, reflecting broad investor participation contributing to the All-Share Price index. 

Melstacorp PLC (MELS.N) emerged as the top contributor to the ASPI, adding 9.89 points, while Richard Pieris and Company (RICH.N) was the largest drag, subtracting 4.19 points. The Food, Beverage and Tobacco  sector led in terms of turnover contribution.

Crossing transactions also contributed to overall turnover, totalling Rs 198.32 million, or roughly 7.5 percent of daily turnover. The largest crossings were recorded in Hatton National Bank PLC (HNB.N), with a total of Rs  87.7 million from 300,000 shares traded. Dialog Axiata PLC (DIAL.N) also recorded significant crossings, amounting to Rs. 87 million with 6 million shares traded.