📉 CSE falls below 22,000 points on 6th consecutive day of losses

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) extended its decline for a sixth straight session yesterday due to broad-based selling pressure, dragging the main index below the 22,000 mark. • Market Performance: The ASPI fell 0.54% (down 118.35 points) to close at 21,962.30, while the S&P SL20 index dipped 0.51% (down 31.55 points) to 6,135.50. • Turnover & Volume: Daily turnover surpassed Rs. 1.5 Bn with nearly 58 million shares traded. Market breath was significantly negative, with 169 decliners outpacing 49 gainers. • Investor & Sector Activity: High-net-worth and institutional participation remained slightly active via negotiated crossings, while retail interest was average. Foreign investors recorded a net outflow of Rs. 185 Mn. The capital goods sector led market turnover with a 31% share, heavily driven by activity in John Keells Holdings (down 10 cents to Rs. 20) and Access Engineering (up 30 cents to Rs. 78.40). The retailing and materials sectors collectively contributed 22% to the day's turnover. • Top Drags & Contributors: The primary negative drivers for the ASPI were Dialog Axiata, Melstacorp, and John Keells Holdings. Meanwhile, counters like Chevron Lubricants saw positive movement, appreciating by Rs. 1.25 to close at Rs. 200.50.