CSE Closes in Green as Blue-Chips Drive Momentum 📈

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) ended on a positive note yesterday, as strong buying interest in heavyweights outweighed selling pressure in the banking sector. • Market Performance: The All Share Price Index (ASPI) gained 0.33% (+78.13 points) to close at 23,781.23. The S&P SL20 rose 0.37% (+24.90 points) to end at 6,710.17. • Trading Activity: Daily turnover surpassed Rs. 4.9 Bn with 195.9 million shares traded. The Capital Goods sector was the primary driver, accounting for 27% of total activity, followed by Banking and Diversified Financials at 25%. • Key Contributors: The upward trend was supported by gains in John Keells Holdings (JKH), Hayleys (HAYL), Melstacorp (MELS), Access Engineering (AEL), and Lanka Milk Foods (LMF). • Sector Highlights & Investor Sentiment: Banking Sector: Faced notable selling pressure as investors reassessed valuations following Q4 earnings releases. Investor Participation: Activity remained steady among retail and High Net Worth (HNW) investors. Foreign Interest: Foreign investors turned net buyers with a net inflow of Rs. 194 Mn.