📈 CSE Ends Week in Red as Turnover Hits 65-Week Low

The Colombo stock market failed to sustain an early trading rally, closing the week in negative territory with trading activity plunging sharply. Overall Market Figures • The All Share Price Index (ASPI) dropped by 1.7% (360.56 points) over the week, closing at 21,405.41. • The active S&P SL20 index fell by 1.3% (77.78 points) to end at 5,999.68. • Weekly turnover collapsed to Rs. 722.64 Mn—marking the lowest trading turnover since April 17, 2025. • Foreign investors remained net sellers, recording a net foreign outflow of Rs. 108.4 Mn. Sector & Stock Breakdowns • Banking: Led daily turnover with a 26% share. Sampath Bank was the top turnover driver for the sector, which managed a marginal index gain of 0.18%, with its share price closing flat at Rs. 137. • Capital Goods: Contributed heavily to market turnover via John Keells Holdings (JKH). The sector index decreased by 0.12%, with JKH moving down to Rs. 19.90. • Food, Beverage & Tobacco: Combined with capital goods to contribute 32% to the daily turnover. Lanka Milk Foods closed flat at Rs. 84.50. • Top decliners dragging the ASPI down included LOLC, JKH, Cargills, Pan Asian Power (PKME), and NDB. Market Sentiment • Investor sentiment remained subdued due to ongoing geopolitical tensions and selling pressure, with high-net-worth (HNW) and retail investors adopting a "wait-and-see" approach ahead of the upcoming quarterly earnings season.