📈 CSE Breaks Three-Day Slump to Close Higher on HNW Activity

• Market Performance: The Colombo stock market broke its three-day losing streak yesterday, driven by heightened High Net Worth (HNW) and institutional investor activity. The benchmark ASPI gained 0.14% (+29.77 points) to close at 21,447.57, while the active S&P SL20 index rose 0.27% (+16.37 points) to end at 6,004.99. Despite the positive close, market breadth was negative with 99 losers against 87 gainers. • Turnover & Foreign Flows: Market turnover reached nearly Rs. 1.5 Bn, with over 43.2 million shares traded. Foreign investors remained net sellers, recording a net outflow of Rs. 26.9 million. • Sector Breakdown: • The capital goods sector led daily turnover with a dominant 48% share, driven by negotiated crossings in E B Creasy & Company (+Rs. 0.40 to Rs. 40.00) and ACL Cables (+Rs. 0.70 to Rs. 96.70). The sector index gained 0.23%. • The banking sector was the second-highest contributor (combined with materials for 28% of turnover). The sector index edged down 0.01%, with Sampath Bank closing flat at Rs. 137.00 and Commercial Bank dipping Rs. 0.25 to Rs. 201.25. • The materials sector also contributed significantly, with mixed interest observed in Haycarb, which closed unchanged at Rs. 175.75. • Key Drivers: The market was subdued in the first half but gained momentum later due to strategic crossings. Top positive contributors to the ASPI included DIAL, HAYC, CFIN, JKH, and CTHR. Retail participation remained slightly below average.