Locals bearish, CSE sees net foreign inflow of Rs. 188 m

Tuesday, 7 January 2025 02:56 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market yesterday began a fresh week with bearish sentiments though turnover remained healthy.

The benchmark ASPI declined by 1.06% and the active S&P SL20 by 1.14%. Turnover was Rs. 8.5 billion involving 358.6 million shares.

The silver lining was net foreign inflow at Rs. 188.1 million.

First Capital said the Colombo bourse experienced another day of price decline across most sectors as investors displayed profit-taking sentiment during today’s trading session.

Additionally, SAMP, COMB, CINS, RICH, and NDB emerged as the top negative contributors to the index. There was increased participation from retail investors and low participation from HNW investors.

The Banking sector led turnover at 25%, followed by the Capital Goods and Food, Beverage and Tobacco sectors jointly contributing 41% of overall turnover.

NDB Securities said high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in John Keells Holdings, Digital Mobility Solutions Lanka, and Hemas Holdings.

Mixed interest was observed in Browns Investments, Hatton National Bank, and Sampath Bank, whilst retail interest was noted in Industrial Asphalts, LOLC Finance, and Beruwala Resorts.

The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Hatton National Bank and Sampath Bank) whilst the sector index lost 1.94%. The share price of Hatton National Bank moved down by Rs. 1.50 to close at Rs. 318.75. The share price of Sampath Bank declined by Rs. 3.25 to close at Rs. 114.

The Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings and Hemas Holdings) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.19%. The share price of John Keells Holdings increased by Rs. 0.10 to close at Rs. 23.90. The share price of Hemas Holdings recorded a gain of Rs. 1.50 to close at Rs. 110. Browns Investments was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Browns Investments gained Rs. 0.20 to close at Rs. 8.