CSE Back in Red Amid Selling Pressure 📉

The Colombo Stock Exchange failed to sustain its previous rally as afternoon selling pressure reversed early morning gains. • Market Indices & Performance: The All Share Price Index (ASPI) dropped 0.40% (down 85.70 points) to close at 21,461.47. The active S&P SL20 index also declined by 0.25% (down 15.26 points) to 5,985.42. Decliners outnumbered gainers 120 to 92. • Turnover & Trading Activity: Market activity remained subdued with daily turnover failing to cross Rs. 1.7 Bn on a volume of over 69 million shares traded. Retail participation stayed at average levels. • Sector & Stock Highlights: - The capital goods sector led market turnover with a 28% share, driven by John Keells Holdings, which gained Rs. 0.10 to close at Rs. 19.80. - The materials sector followed as the second highest contributor, though its index dipped 0.25% despite Chevron Lubricants gaining Rs. 0.25 to close at Rs. 195.25. - The food, beverage, and tobacco sector also contributed to a combined 30% turnover alongside materials. - Major negative drags on the ASPI included CTHR, MELS, GREG, AEL, and CFIN. • Investor Sentiment: High net worth and institutional interest was concentrated in John Keells Holdings, Chevron Lubricants, and Janashakthi Limited. On the positive side, foreign investors remained net buyers, recording a net inflow of Rs. 55.9 Mn.