COLOMBO, Sept 4 (ePRESS) – The Colombo Stock Exchange closed on a cautious note on Thursday as heavy intraday volatility left investors uncertain, despite the All-Share Price Index (ASPI) ending marginally higher at 20,992, up 16 points.
The market saw early gains with the index peaking by mid-afternoon before sliding sharply, reflecting a mix of buying and selling pressure. Gains and losses were broadly balanced, with RIL, CTC, PLR, RICH and JKH providing the main positive push.
Turnover reached LKR 5.7 billion, down 18 percent from the monthly average of LKR 6.9 billion. Capital Goods dominated activity with a 19 percent share, while Consumer Services and Real Estate contributed a combined 30 percent.
Retail and high-net-worth investors remained active, but selling was mainly directed at Banking and Blue-Chip counters. Foreign investors were net buyers, posting a small inflow of LKR 9.1 million, led by CFVF, DIAL and HASU. Outflows were strongest in SUN, HHL and KCAD.
RIL topped turnover with LKR 589.5 million, followed by ECBR at LKR 446.5 million. CITH led the day’s volumes with 95.9 million shares traded, while MDL followed with 30.6 million shares. Total market volumes climbed to 306.7 million.
Analysts noted the day’s trading pattern showed investors drifting away from the usual trend, as market momentum failed to hold after early optimism.
(Courtesy First Capital Research)
