📉 CSE Opens Week in Red Amid Middle East Tensions

The Colombo bourse started the week on a negative note yesterday, primarily driven by heightened geopolitical conflicts and rising global oil prices. • Market Performance Overview: The benchmark ASPI dropped by 0.89% (203.26 points) to close at 22,570.03. The S&P SL20 fell 0.66% (41.15 points) to 6,222.79. Market turnover reached over Rs. 4.1 Bn with 257.7 million shares traded. • Investor Activity: Foreign investors recorded a net outflow of Rs. 78.5 Mn. While high-net-worth (HNW) participation was low, retail activity remained elevated, particularly in trading stocks. • Sector & Stock Highlights: Capital Goods: Led turnover (19% share) but saw a sector index dip of 0.51%. Notable moves included Softlogic Holdings (+Rs. 0.60) and John Keells Holdings (flat). Banking & Diversified Financials: Contributed 27% to turnover. Softlogic Finance rose to Rs. 8.90, while Softlogic Capital declined. Tourism: Mixed interest observed in Hikkaduwa Beach Resort (+Rs. 0.80) and Waskaduwa Beach Resort. • Key Laggards: The primary negative contributors to the ASPI were RIL Property, CT Holdings, Dialog Axiata, Commercial Bank, and Browns Investments. _Source: Based on market data from April 20, 2026._