Mixed Investor Sentiments Hit Colombo Bourse 📈

• Market Overview: The All Share Price Index (ASPI) fell 0.29% (-62.37 pts) to 21,145.73 due to broad-based selling pressure, driven partly by geopolitical uncertainties. Conversely, the blue-chip S&P SL20 index edged up 0.03% (+1.79 pts) to close at 5,945.01. Market breadth was negative, with 133 decliners against 74 gainers. • Turnover & Foreign Inflows: Daily turnover crossed Rs. 3.2 Bn for the first time in a month, with 38.5 Bn shares traded. Net foreign buying continued, generating a positive inflow of Rs. 79.8 Mn. • Sector Breakdown & Key Crossings: • Food & Staples Retailing: Dominated total market turnover with a 71% share, heavily boosted by a massive Rs. 2.3 Bn crossing in Cargills (representing 69.1% of market turnover). The sector index gained 0.15%, with Cargills closing up 25 cents at Rs. 630. • Food, Beverage & Tobacco & Banking: Jointly accounted for 15% of turnover. Melstacorp saw key crossings, ending down Rs. 1 at Rs. 181 despite a 0.43% rise in its sector index. Major banking crossings included Nations Trust Bank, which fell 50 cents to Rs. 305. • Key Contributors & Declines: The main negative drags on the ASPI included Ceylinco Insurance, Commercial Bank, Rich Pieris, Cargo Boat Development, and Harischandra Mills. Notable losses were also recorded in Hatton National Bank (-Rs. 2 to Rs. 384) and Softlogic Life Insurance (-Rs. 2.40 to Rs. 81.10).