📉 CSE Hits Over 12-Month Low Amid Middle East Tensions

• Market Performance: The All Share Price Index (ASPI) fell 1.05% (-209.38 points) to 19,717.92, while the S&P SL20 dropped 0.68% (-38.43 points) to 5,618.48. Panic selling driven by surging global oil prices above $ 112 per barrel dented investor confidence. Market breadth was heavily negative with 162 declining stocks against 40 gainers. • Trading Activity: Market turnover stood at Rs. 1.1 Bn across 64.2 Mn shares traded, remaining below the monthly average due to cautious retail and high-net-worth investor participation. Foreign investors were net buyers with an inflow of Rs. 39 Mn. • Sector Breakdown: • Banking: Led market turnover with a 23% share, though the sector index shed 0.60%. Top turnover drivers Sampath Bank dropped Rs. 0.50 to Rs. 138.00 and Commercial Bank declined Rs. 0.75 to Rs. 196.25. • Capital Goods & Food, Beverage & Tobacco: Jointly contributed 39% to total turnover. Capital goods fell 0.77%, with key heavy-weight John Keells Holdings closing flat at Rs. 17.60. • Diversified Holdings: Sunshine Holdings dropped Re. 1.00 to Rs. 27.00. • Top Index Drag: Major downward pressure on the ASPI came from Distilleries Company, Hatton National Bank, Dialog Axiata, Singer Sri Lanka, and Ceylon Tea Services (CARS).