📉 CSE Slides to 3-Month Low Amid Middle East Tensions

The Colombo stock market extended its losses for a second consecutive session, dipping to its second lowest point in three months as escalating Middle East tensions and rising global oil prices heavily weighed on investor confidence. • Market Performance: The ASPI dropped 0.50% (107.39 points) to close at 21,424.99, while the active S&P SL20 index declined by 0.37% (22.04 points) to end at 6,000.15. • Turnover & Volume: Daily market turnover reached nearly Rs. 1.1 Bn, with over 48.6 million shares changing hands. High-net-worth participation remained limited, while retail activity stayed at average levels. • Foreign Activity: Foreign investors continued to pull out of the market, recording a net foreign outflow of Rs. 126.9 Mn. • Sector Contributions: The banking sector led the market turnover with a 20% share. This was closely followed by the food, beverage & tobacco and materials sectors, which collectively contributed 28% to the daily turnover. • Key Stock Draggers: The primary negative contributors dragdown down the ASPI were Lion Brewery (LION), Melstacorp (MELS), Vallibel One (VONE), John Keells Holdings (JKH), and Carson Cumberbatch (CARS). • Top Turnover Drivers: Lanka IOC (LIOC) topped the turnover chart with Rs. 109 Mn, followed by Ceylon Cold Stores (CCS) at Rs. 96 Mn, and Dipped Products (DPL) at Rs. 82 Mn.