CSE retreats after early gains amid volatility
The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) experienced another volatile session today, with the ASPI declining 86.15 points, or 0.41%, to close at 20,905.83. The market opened with optimism, surging over 140 points, but gradually retraced to end in negative territory. Intraday volatility remained elevated, with a 289.87-point range between the session’s high and low.The S&P SL20 Index fell 49.24 points, or 0.82%, to 5,955.36, while market turnover amounted to LKR 6.17 billion, supported by a share volume of 197.89 million.Crossings contributed LKR 0.89 billion, representing 15% of total turnover. The largest negotiated transaction was recorded in CTHR.N, accounting for LKR 410.43 million from 0.58 million shares. RIL.N recorded the highest crossing volume, with 3.25 million shares traded, generating LKR 105.75 million in turnover.Sector-wise, Capital Goods led activity, generating 18% of total turnover, with EBCR.N contributing LKR 246 million. The session also saw increased buying interest in subsidiaries of LGH, with notable turnover and price gains across these counters.
Market breadth remained negative, with 66 gainers against 166 decliners.
Top Contributors to the ASPI: Positive: LGL.N led the gainers, adding 22.05 index points, followed by WIND.N, CTHR.N, HAYL.N, and CARS.N.Negative: CINS.N was the largest drag, subtracting 22.68 points, while JKH.N, HNB.N, COMB.N, and DFCC.N also weighed on the index.Among notable trades, LGL.N stood out with transactions totaling LKR 226.89 million, surging 65.42% during the session. The session also saw increased buying interest in subsidiaries of Laugh Gas Holdings, with notable turnover and price gains across these counters.
