📈 CSE Drops to Six-Week Low Down 0.61% Amid Oil Price & Interest Rate Concerns

• Market Performance: The All Share Price Index (ASPI) dropped 0.61% (-128.72 points) to close at 21,133.41, while the S&P SL20 fell 0.49% (-29.38 points) to 5,947.29. Market breath was strongly negative with 172 decliners against 46 gainers. • Trading Activity: Total turnover reached over Rs. 1.6 Bn with 69.4 Mn shares traded. Foreign investors recorded a net outflow of Rs. 8 Mn. High-net-worth (HNW) investor participation was above average and concentrated in conglomerate counters. • Sector Breakdown: • Food, Beverage & Tobacco: Led market turnover contributing 48%, driven by Sunshine Holdings (down Rs. 0.20 to Rs. 29.00) and Ceylon Cold Stores (up Rs. 1.25 to Rs. 120.25). The sector index edged down 0.11%. • Capital Goods & Banking: Jointly accounted for 25% of daily turnover alongside Capital Goods. John Keells Holdings weighed on the Capital Goods index (down 0.87%), declining Rs. 0.20 to Rs. 19.10. Commercial Bank dropped Rs. 0.50 to Rs. 203.50. • Key Drivers: Elevated global oil prices and persistent fears of potential interest rate hikes continue to dampen buying interest and pressure investor sentiment.