CSE Ends Down 1.6% Below 22,000 Points on Mideast Concerns 📉

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) saw sharp declines yesterday as rising global oil prices and Middle East instability weighed on investor sentiment. • Market Performance Overview The All Share Price Index (ASPI) fell by 1.63% (363.43 points) to close at 21,998.12. The blue-chip S&P SL20 dropped 1.71% (107.42 points) to 6,172.28. Since the conflict began on 27 February, the ASPI has recorded a cumulative loss of 7.4%. • Sector & Stock Highlights The Capital Goods sector led daily turnover with a 32% share, followed by Diversified Financials and Food, Beverage, and Tobacco (35% combined). Major laggards included JKH, HNB, and MELS. Despite the downturn, HNW investor participation remained strong in crossing transactions. • Trading & Foreign Inflow • Market Turnover: Over Rs. 4.1 Bn on 140 Mn shares. • Net Foreign Inflow: Rs. 32.2 Mn (Net buying topped in PKME). • Market Breadth: Heavily negative with 207 decliners against 36 gainers. • Market P/E: 10.88. Rising crude prices and shipping route disruptions remain key risks for the transport and manufacturing sectors, contributing to the current 1,746-point ASPI decline over the last two weeks.