## CSE Slumps 4.85% Weekly Amid Middle East Crisis 📉

The Colombo stock market faced a volatile week as geopolitical tensions continue to erode investor sentiment, despite a minor recovery during the final session. • Market Performance ASPI dropped 4.85% (1,052.82 points) to close at 20,639.73. S&P SL20 (blue-chip index) declined 5.46% (332.46 points). Total market value loss of Rs. 1.06 trillion since the Middle East conflict began on Feb 28. • Sector & Trading Activity Capital Goods led daily turnover (42%), followed by Banking and Insurance (25%). Investors engaged in bargain hunting within the Banking sector. Top positive contributors included SAMP, HAYL, JKH, DOCK, and MELS. • Investor Sentiment Foreign investors remained net sellers with a net outflow of Rs. 783 million. High-Net-Worth (HNW) activity was elevated, specifically in JKH (Rs. 628 million in crossings), while retail participation remained subdued. Daily turnover reached Rs. 4.4 billion, supported by easing global oil prices. _Note: Summary based on provisional market data as of March 21, 2026._