The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) ended Wednesday’s session sharply lower as investor sentiment deteriorated amid escalating global geopolitical tensions and fresh trade policy concerns. Rising uncertainty surrounding ongoing war conditions, coupled with the announcement of new tariff measures imposed by the United States on foreign exporters, triggered a risk-off sentiment across regional and local markets.The combined external shocks led to broad-based selling pressure, with the All Share Price Index (ASPI) falling sharply during the session before closing down 166.55 points, or 0.55%, at 22,011.10. The S&P SL20 also declined by 32.82 points, or 0.54%, to settle at 6,097.83.

Market turnover remained moderate at LKR 2.05 billion, while total share volume reached 109.87 million shares, reflecting cautious participation from investors amid heightened uncertainty. The Consumer Durables Goods sector led overall market turnover, contributing LKR 0.41 billion from 17.73 million shares traded. TJL.N was the dominant counter within the sector, accounting for LKR 0.36 billion in turnover and 11.49 million shares traded.Crossings accounted for LKR 0.45 billion, representing 22% of total market turnover. The largest crossing was recorded in TJL.N, amounting to LKR 0.34 billion involving 10.84 million shares.Market breadth was notably weak, with 45 gainers against 173 decliners, underscoring widespread selling pressure across the boardAmong index contributors, JKH.N provided the only meaningful support, adding 5.35 points, followed by modest gains in LION.N, SEMB.N, PINS.N, and TJL.N. On the downside, DIAL.N was the largest drag on the index, shedding 15.56 points, while SAMP.N, BREW.N, CCS.N, and DOCK.N also weighed heavily on market performance.

Among notable trades, DIAL.N saw significant activity with LKR 0.64 billion in turnover and 1.48 million shares traded, although the counter closed down 2.51% amid broader market weakness and sector-wide selling pressure.