📈 CSE Slumps as Global Oil Surges Amid Mideast Tensions

The Colombo Bourse started the week in the red, driven by dampened investor sentiment as global oil prices climbed to $115. Heightened geopolitical uncertainty led to broad-based selling across key blue-chip counters. • Market Performance: - ASPI: 21,092.24 (Down 1.33% | -283.49 points) - S&P SL20: 5,908.96 (Down 1.52% | -91.03 points) - Turnover: Approx. Rs. 2.2 Bn on 100 Mn shares traded. • Sector & Stock Highlights: - Capital Goods: Led turnover (28% share) but saw a sector index drop of 2.05%. John Keells Holdings (JKH) was a major detractor, closing at Rs. 18. - Banking: Contributed significantly to turnover; sector index fell 1.17%. Sampath Bank dropped 75 cents to Rs. 155.50. - Energy: Lanka IOC bucked the trend, gaining 75 cents to close at Rs. 140 amid rising oil prices. - Food, Beverage & Tobacco: Collectively contributed to 36% of turnover alongside banking; Lanka Milk Foods declined by Rs. 3.20. • Investor Activity: - Net Foreign Outflow: Rs. 32.5 Mn. - Participation: Subdued interest from HNW and retail investors. - Major Detractors: JKH, NDB, HAYL, MELS, and COMB exerted the most downward pressure.