📉 CSE Weekly Wrap: Market Ends in Red Amid Banking Sell-off

The Colombo stock market closed the week on a downward note, primarily weighed down by the banking and blue-chip sectors. Despite a mid-day recovery attempt, negative sentiment prevailed due to sector earnings and global tensions. • Market Indices: The ASPI dropped 0.40% (96.43 points) to close at 23,773.64. The S&P SL20 declined 0.32% (21.72 points) to 6,721.47. _Note: Despite the daily drop, the ASPI and S&P SL20 ended the full week up 0.27% and 1.55% respectively._ • Trading Activity: Daily turnover reached approximately Rs. 3.9 Bn with over 139 million shares traded. Foreign investors recorded a net outflow of Rs. 11.3 Mn. • Sector Performance: The banking sector dominated activity, accounting for 23% of daily turnover. Insurance and capital goods followed, collectively contributing 35%. • Key Contributors: Major negative drags on the index included Commercial Bank (COMB), Ceylon Hotels (CTHR), Melstacorp (MELS), Bukit Darah (BUKI), and John Keells Holdings (JKH). • Market Sentiment: Participation from High-Net-Worth (HNW) and retail investors remained subdued as the market reacted to the latest financial results and macroeconomic shifts.