📈 CSE Suffers Third Highest Single-Day Points Decline on Global and Domestic Uncertainties

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) started the week down sharply to its lowest level in over a month, with the benchmark index recording its third largest single-day points drop in history, driven by LKR depreciation, geopolitical tensions, and economic uncertainty. • Market Performance & Turnover • ASPI: Down 2.59% (-592.28 points) to close at 22,313.47. This marks the third-largest single-day decline, surpassed only by drops on 3 March 2026 and 1 December 2025. • S&P SL20: Down 1.95% (-122.26 points) to close at 6,161.98. • Market Turnover: Reached nearly Rs. 4.9 Bn with over 210 million shares traded. • Foreign Activity: Net outflow of Rs. 114.3 Mn as foreign investors remained net sellers. • Sector & Counter Breakdown • Capital Goods: Led daily turnover with a 31% share, though the sector index lost 2.83%. Major drags included John Keells Holdings (down Rs. 0.40 to Rs. 20.30), ACL Cables (down Rs. 4.50 to Rs. 98.50), and Hemas Holdings (down Rs. 0.90 to Rs. 31.80). • Banking: Second highest turnover contributor, with the sector index decreasing by 1.50%. Hatton National Bank fell by Rs. 4.75 to Rs. 407.50. • Top Negative Contributors: JKH, RIL, HAYL, COMB, and DOCK emerged as the primary losers dragging down the ASPI. • Investor Sentiment • High-net-worth (HNW) and institutional participation remained at average levels, focusing on counters like JKH and Hemas. • Heightened retail investor activity, including interest in Hela Apparel Holdings and SMB Leasing, notably accelerated the day's selling pressure.