📉 CSE Closes Lower as Growth Moderates to 4.2%

• Market Performance: • Benchmark ASPI dropped 0.47% (-100.30 pts) to close at 21,033.11. • S&P SL20 fell 0.30% (-17.84 pts) to 5,929.45. • Overall market turnover stood at Rs. 1.33 Bn. • Sector & Turnover Leaders: • Top turnover sectors were Capital Goods (Rs. 282.3 Mn), Food, Beverage & Tobacco (Rs. 230.4 Mn), and Banking (Rs. 228.4 Mn). • Block trades/crossings were recorded in PickMe, Hayleys, John Keells Holdings, and Melstacorp. • Key Stock Movers: • Top gainers included John Keells Holdings (+0.52%), Central Finance (+0.81%), and SANASA Development Bank (+3.17%). • Top drag on the index included Melstacorp (-1.64%), Dialog Axiata (-1.96%), and Hayleys (-1.54%). • Economic Context & Drivers: • Downward momentum signals a slowdown as quarterly GDP growth dropped to 4.2% following 9 quarters averaging above 5.0%. • NDB Securities highlights investor caution tied to upcoming US midterm elections, Middle East crude oil price risks, and El Niño-driven inflation threats.