Market ends year on a high

By Almas Equities Research

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) closed the final trading session of 2025 on a strong note, supported by broad-based gains across both key indices and heightened trading volumes and turnover.

The market recorded an intraday high of 22,674, with the ASPI rallying as much as 228 points before easing to close 178 points higher, reflecting improved investor sentiment and a rebound from recent weakness.

The All Share Price Index (ASPI) advanced 178.42 points (+0.79%) to 22,624.31, while the S&P SL20 rose 46.03 points (+0.75%) to 6,157.38.

Total market turnover reached LKR 4.65 billion, with 122.81 million shares traded. The Capital Goods sector led activity, recording LKR 2.15 billion in turnover from 41.22 million shares. Within the sector, SIRA.N generated the highest turnover, contributing LKR 0.48 billion with 14.08 million shares traded.

Crossings accounted for LKR 0.52 billion, or 11% of total turnover, with the largest crossing recorded in RCL.N, generating LKR 0.17 billion from 3.83 million shares.

Market breadth remained positive, with 140 gainers outweighing 71 decliners, signaling improving participation despite selective profit-taking. On the upside, JKH.N led gains with 27.25 points, followed by SFCL.N, ACL.N, SAMP.N, and HASU.N. On the downside, DOCK.N was the largest drag, losing 29.65 points, alongside RICH.N, BUKI.N, SEMB.N, and ASPH.N.

Among notable trades, ACL.N recorded LKR 311 million in turnover with 3.49 million shares traded, closing marginally 0.60% lower, adding slight volatility to the session.

Overall, the session reflected year-end consolidation and selective buying, as the market ended 2025 on a positive footing, setting a firm base for the new year.