CSE ends three-day slide as oil volatility drives choppy session
The Colombo Stock Exchange ended its three-session losing streak on 11 September 2026, with the ASPI closing marginally higher after a highly volatile session shaped by sudden movements in global oil prices and shifting investor sentiment.The ASPI gained 25.00 points, or 0.12%, to close at 21,382.74 after falling towards 21,310 during early trading and recovering through the afternoon. The S&P SL20, however, slipped 1.46 points, or 0.02%, to 6,002.46.Market turnover remained relatively subdued at LKR 1.13 billion, with 57.73 million shares traded. The Capital Goods sector led activity with LKR 333.76 million in turnover, while John Keells Holdings recorded the highest individual counter turnover at LKR 204.40 million.Crossings accounted for around 22% of total turnover, led by two transactions in JKH.N totaling approximately LKR 135.80 million. Other notable crossings were recorded in Lanka IOC, JF Packaging and Singer Finance.
Market breadth reflected the uncertain direction of the session, with 99 gainers against 100 decliners, while foreign investors returned to the selling side with a net outflow of LKR 50.52 million.Haycarb was the strongest positive contributor to the ASPI, followed by Cargills, Sampath Bank, LOLC Holdings and SMB Finance non-voting. Melstacorp was the largest negative contributor, followed by Ceylinco Insurance, Lion Brewery, Dialog Axiata and Carson Cumberbatch.
The session reflected a market still highly sensitive to developments in global oil prices and the Middle East. While afternoon buying helped the ASPI recover and end its losing streak, balanced market breadth, subdued turnover and continued oil-price volatility suggest that investor sentiment remains cautious and could stay reactive to external developments.
