📈 Global Equity Rally & Oil Dip: Impact on SL Sentiment

Global markets extended gains this Tuesday, driven by AI-linked tech optimism and favorable US manufacturing data. Asian indices, including Hong Kong and Tokyo, surged as investors anticipated potential Fed rate cuts. Meanwhile, oil prices dipped as supply concerns in Venezuela eased, providing a potential relief for Sri Lanka’s energy import costs. • Stock Market Performance: The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) remains upbeat, with the ASPI rising 3.9% over the last week. The index closed at 23,292.91 (Jan 6), reflecting a robust 46.9% YoY growth. Financials and Renewable Energy sectors are leading the current rally. • Sector Growth & Exports: • Apparel & Textiles: Cumulative exports (Jan-Nov 2025) reached US$ 4.57 Bn, a 5.42% YoY increase. While November saw a slight 1.96% dip, the EU market grew by 13.07%, highlighting strong ethical manufacturing demand. • Tea: Production showed a modest recovery, with cumulative output up 2.82 Mnkg to 220.97 Mnkg. Low-grown tea rose 5.96%, though high-grown segments faced a 6.22% decline. • Economic Outlook: Based on provisional data, Sri Lanka’s 2026 budget deficit is projected to rise to 6.5% of GDP due to Rs. 500 Bn in Cyclone Ditwah recovery spending. Despite this, 2026 GDP growth is forecasted at 3.5%–5.0% as stability returns. • Currency & Inflation: The Sri Lankan Rupee recently depreciated below 310 per US$, while December inflation remained steady at 2.1%.