The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) saw a notable rise in its performance on the 7th of the month, marked by strong trading activity and widespread gains across various sectors. Investor confidence remained high throughout the trading session, propelling major indices into positive territory.
The All Share Price Index (ASPI) experienced a significant increase, climbing by 258.09 points, which equates to a 1.13% rise. Additionally, the S&P Sri Lanka 20 Index, which includes blue-chip companies, gained 47.13 points, or 0.75%. The market showed solid liquidity, with the total turnover for the day estimated at around Rs. 5.28 billion.
Domestic investors were the primary drivers of trading activity, contributing Rs. 5.03 billion to the overall turnover, while foreign investors accounted for Rs. 247.48 million. Throughout the day, 514.6 million shares were exchanged across 40,268 transactions.
Industrial Asphalt (ASPH) emerged as the standout performer, witnessing a remarkable 40.00% increase in its share price, closing at Rs. 0.70. SMB Finance also garnered considerable interest, with its non-voting shares rising by 33.33% and voting shares increasing by 25.00%. Other significant gainers included Laxapana, which rose by 14.32%, and Mercantile Shipping, up by 13.17%.
Conversely, the session saw some declines, with Palm Garden Hotels experiencing the steepest drop, falling by 7.08%. This was followed by Horana Plantations, which decreased by 5.54%, and HVA Foods, down by 5.41%.
In terms of contributions to turnover, major players led the way, with John Keells Holdings (JKH) generating Rs. 368.2 million, followed closely by Commercial Bank with Rs. 345.5 million and Ceylon Tobacco at Rs. 337.6 million. In terms of volume, Industrial Asphalt topped the charts with 179 million shares traded, followed by SMB Finance with 134 million shares.
Foreign trading activities for the day resulted in a net outflow of Rs. 22.32 million. Foreign purchases totaled Rs. 247.48 million, while sales reached Rs. 269.80 million.
