CSE Opens Week in Red Amid Mideast Concerns 📈

The Colombo Stock Market saw a subdued start to the week as investor caution grew over the stability of Middle East peace developments. • Market Performance: The ASPI declined 0.48% (107.79 points) to close at 22,253.52, while the S&P SL20 fell 0.32% to 6,195.71. • Trading Activity: Market turnover reached nearly Rs. 1.2 Bn with 44 million shares traded. 51 counters gained against 164 decliners. • Investor Sentiment: Foreign investors were net sellers with an outflow of Rs. 154.6 Mn. Participation from both HNW and retail investors remained low. • Sector Breakdown: The capital goods sector dominated trading with a 30% share of turnover, followed by the banking and insurance sectors, which combined for 29%. • Top Drags: Negative pressure on the ASPI was largely driven by JKH, SPEN, DFCC, COMB, and ACL. Analysts note that concerns regarding potential disruptions to global trade routes continue to weigh on local risk appetite.