🔴 CSE Opens the Week in Red Amid Subdued Sentiment

The Colombo stock market commenced the week down as investor sentiment remained subdued with low high-net-worth (HNW) participation, balanced by a slight rise in retail interest. • Overall Market Figures: The All Share Price Index (ASPI) fell 0.44% (-98.08 points) to close at 22,080.65. The active S&P SL20 also slid 0.44% (-27.17 points) to 6,167.05. Market turnover recorded over Rs. 1.35 Bn with over 41.7 Mn shares traded. Foreign investors remained net sellers, marking a net outflow of Rs. 315.8 Mn. • Sector Breakdowns: • Utilities: Led daily turnover with a 28% share, though the sector index lost 0.36%. Windforce Ltd. was the top turnover contributor, dipping by 10 cents to Rs. 40.90. • Capital Goods: Second highest contributor to turnover, with the sector index decreasing by 0.12%. John Keells Holdings lost 10 cents to close at Rs. 20.10, while Hemas Holdings closed flat at Rs. 32.80. • Banking: Formed part of the collective 26% turnover contribution alongside Capital Goods, though heavyweights like Hatton National Bank (HNB) faced negative pressure. • Key Market Drivers: The main negative contributors pulling down the ASPI were CINS, HNB, RIL, DIAL, and CFIN. HNW and institutional activity focused on Windforce, Hemas Holdings, and HNB (non-voting). Singer Sri Lanka bucked the trend slightly, gaining 10 cents to close at Rs. 75.10, while Ceylon Cold Stores dropped Rs. 1.75 to close at Rs. 128.25.