CSE says stock market in 1Q shows exponential growth YoY despite recent dip

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) says it has shown exponential growth in the just ended first quarter in comparison to a year ago despite the recent dip. 

The All Share Price Index (ASPI) has risen by 55.8% in 1Q of 2021 as against 1Q of 2020. 

The S&PSL20 has risen by 46.4% whilst the market capitalisation has increased by 46.2% to Rs. 3.11 trillion. Turnover of Rs. 324.4 billion in the 1Q of 2021 was higher by 518% whilst the number of shares traded 17.65 billion reflects a massive jump of 1,210%.

The 1Q of 2021 was boosted by a massive 30% gain by both indices in record-setting January as February and March saw declines. 

In March ASPI and the S&P SL20 lost 4.75% and 3.93% respectively but better than 13.7% dip in terms of ASPI and 15.6% on the basis of S&P SL20 in February.

Year to date ASPI is still up 6.19% and S&PSL20 is up by 8.7%. 

Market capitalisation on 1 April stood at Rs. 3.14 trillion, down by Rs. 647 billion from 2021 peak and lower in comparison to Rs. 795 billion dip as of 19 March 2021.

Analysts however continue to stress that the CSE remains attractive. The Price Earnings Ratio (PER) as of 1 April was 14.98 times as against 11.25 times end December 2020 and 14.41 times end-January.