📈 CSE Ends Marginally Up Amid Muted Sentiment and Geopolitical Tensions

• Market Indices & Overview: The Colombo Stock Exchange ended slightly higher yesterday despite investor caution over Middle East tensions and rising global oil prices. The ASPI gained 0.03% (+7.33 points) to close at 21,325.64, while the S&P SL20 fell 0.05% (-2.95 points) to 5,983.50. Market breadth was weak, with 129 stocks declining versus 76 advancing. • Turnover & Foreign Activity: Total market turnover reached over Rs. 1.2 Bn on 50.9 Mn shares traded. Foreign investors were net sellers, recording a net outflow of Rs. 7.2 Mn. Retail investors drove trading activity, while high-net-worth participation remained muted. • Sector Highlights: • Banking Sector: Dominated market turnover, contributing 20% of the total, led by high-net-worth interest in Sampath Bank (flat at Rs. 138.50) and Hatton National Bank (flat at Rs. 380). The sector index edged down 0.02%. • Materials & Other Sectors: The materials sector was the second-highest turnover contributor with its index gaining 0.87%, supported by mixed trading in Haycarb and Sierra Cables. Food, beverage & tobacco also saw strong turnover, combining with materials to represent 34% of overall market turnover. • Key Stock Movers: Top positive ASPI contributors included CINS, HAYC, DIPD, NDB, and AEL. Major drag came from JKH, BIL, BREW, CARS, and DFCC. Commodities saw retail interest with tea firm Asia Siyaka Commodities rising Rs. 0.70 to close at Rs. 15.90.