📈 CSE Opens Month in Red Amid Subdued Sentiment

The Colombo bourse commenced June on a negative note, weighed down by the recent Central Bank (CBSL) rate hike which kept investor confidence subdued. High-Net-Worth (HNW) and retail participation remained thin. • Overall Market Figures: • ASPI: Down 0.21% (-46 points) to close at 22,695. • S&P SL20: Down 0.15% (-9 points) to close at 6,150. • Market Turnover: Stood at over Rs. 1.7 Bn on 71.02 Mn shares traded. • Foreign Trade: Net foreign outflow of Rs. 7.8 Mn. • Sector & Industry Breakdown: • Capital Goods: Led daily turnover with a 17% share, though the sector index lost 0.71%. Aitken Spence drove the turnover but dipped 25 cents to Rs. 137. • Banking: Contributed significantly to turnover; the sector index decreased by 0.23%. Hatton National Bank bucked the trend, gaining Rs. 2 to close at Rs. 397.25. • Food, Beverage & Tobacco: Combined with Banking to contribute 32% of the daily market turnover. • Top Movers & Key Interest: • Top Drags: John Keells Holdings (JKH), Richard Pieris & Company (RICH), and LOLC Holdings were the top negative contributors to the ASPI. • Gains: Dialog Axiata rose Rs. 1.60 to Rs. 44.20, and RIL Property PLC gained Rs. 1.80 to Rs. 28. • Retail/Mixed Interest: Activity was noted in apparel & textiles via Hela Apparel Holdings, alongside HNB Finance and HVA Foods.