CSE snaps four-day losing streak as market stabilizes near 21,000
The Colombo Stock Exchange ended its four-session losing streak on 18 September 2026, with both benchmark indices closing marginally higher after a volatile session.The ASPI gained 32.83 points, or 0.16%, to close at 21,056.26, while the S&P SL20 advanced 3.93 points, or 0.07%, to 5,928.89. The ASPI recovered from early weakness near 21,030, although late profit-taking limited the day’s gains.Market turnover stood at LKR 1.34 billion, with 39.37 million shares traded. The Capital Goods sector led activity with LKR 366.91 million in turnover, while Hayleys recorded the highest individual counter turnover at LKR 274.05 million.
Crossings accounted for around 17% of total turnover, led by a LKR 57.00 million block in DIMO. Other notable crossings were recorded in Singer Industries, Commercial Bank, Sunshine Holdings, Dipped Products and Hayleys.Market breadth remained almost evenly balanced, with 95 gainers against 99 decliners, while foreign investors recorded only a marginal net outflow of LKR 5.91 million.Dialog Axiata was the strongest positive contributor to the ASPI, followed by Melstacorp, Hayleys, Haycarb and Carson Cumberbatch. Lion Brewery was the largest negative contributor, followed by C T Holdings, Ceylinco Insurance, John Keells Holdings and Access Engineering.
Brent crude eased further to around USD 104.82 per barrel, providing some relief to recent energy-price concerns. However, the combination of modest index gains, low turnover and near-balanced market breadth suggests today’s move was more a stabilization after recent selling than a clear broad-based recovery.