📈 Sri Lanka Stocks Surge ~3% on US Election Sentiment Boost

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) closed sharply higher on Thursday, driven by renewed investor confidence following the US midterm election outcome. • Market Performance ASPI: Surged +2.87% (+589.18 pts) to close at 21,130.30. S&P SL20: Rose +3.89% (+226.89 pts) to 6,061.98. Market Turnover: Reached LKR 5.43 Bn, led by banking & financial services (S&P/CSE Banks index turnover at LKR 1.10 Bn). • Top Stock Movers Gainers: Overseas Realty (+7.82%), LOLC Holdings (+6.93%), Dialog Axiata (+3.78%), Hayleys (+3.28%), and Commercial Bank (+2.36%). Decliners: Agarapatana Plantations (-7.80%), Ceylinco Holdings (-2.02%), First Capital Treasuries (-1.60%), and Ceylon Tobacco Company (-0.25%). Notable Crossings: Lanka Milk Foods (LKR 223.08 Mn), Cargills Bank (LKR 202.06 Mn), Royal Ceramics (LKR 119.58 Mn), and DFCC Bank (LKR 97.50 Mn). • Corporate & Credit Updates Telecommunications: Fitch Ratings upgraded Sri Lanka Telecom PLC (SLT) National Long-Term Rating to ‘AA+(lka)’ from ‘AA-(lka)’ with a Stable Outlook, following government retention of its stake and strong position in fixed broadband and fibre infrastructure.