CSE Jumps Past 23,500 Mark Post-Budget 2026 📈

• The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) benchmark ASPI crossed the 23,500 point milestone for the first time, driven by positive sentiment following the 2026 Budget speech. The index closed up 0.70% (+164.34 pts) at 23,502.59. • The active S&P SL20 also saw significant gains, rising 1.86% to 6,500.04. • Market turnover was strong, exceeding Rs. 7.5 Billion on nearly 253 million shares traded. Foreign investors were net sellers, recording an outflow of Rs. 434.1 Million. • The Banking sector was the primary driver of the index gains, with HNB, SAMP, COMB, NDB, and DIAL being key contributors. • Sector activity was led by the Capital Goods sector (25% of turnover), followed by the Banking and Food, Beverage, and Tobacco sectors (34% combined). • The Budget proposals are expected to benefit banks by generating loan demand, especially through support for SMEs. Key allocations include: • An Rs. 25 Billion allocation for concessional interest rate loans (up to Rs. 25 Mn for successful businesses). • Credit guarantees of Rs. 7 Billion for SME loans, supported by a US$ 50 Million facility from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). • A new SME Development Loan Scheme with Rs. 7.7 Billion earmarked for fresh loans up to Rs. 50 Mn.