📈 First Capital Advocates Shift from Savings to Wealth Preservation on World Thrift Day

On World Thrift Day 2026, First Capital Holdings PLC highlights the need to evolve from traditional saving to strategic investing to combat purchasing power erosion. • Inflationary Impact: Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI) data shows prices rose ~96% from 2021 to late 2025 (index up to ~196). A static LKR 100,000 lost nearly half its purchasing power, retaining only ~LKR 51,000 in 2021 terms. • Capital Market Engagement: Sri Lanka has over 1 million registered stock market accounts, but active participation remains low, showing vast potential for expansion in instruments like unit trusts, government securities, and equities. • Financial Literacy & Inclusion: Broadening literacy beyond budgeting to cover compounding, diversification, and risk management is vital for economic resilience. • Digital Accessibility: Providers are improving access via 100% digital onboarding, WhatsApp transaction platforms, and low entry thresholds (e.g., unit trusts starting from LKR 1,000). The key takeaway emphasizes balancing bank liquidity for short-term security with capital market instruments for long-term growth and national economic development.