ASPI inches up amid mixed sentiment; retail buying persists

The Colombo Bourse witnessed mixed sentiment during the session but eventually closed in positive territory, with the All-Share Price Index (ASPI) edging up by 7 points to close at 22,791. While high-net-worth (HNW) activity remained moderate, retail participation continued to be strong.

According to First Capital Research, DOCK, SAMP, CFIN, HARI, and HUNT were among the key positive contributors to the index.

Market turnover was relatively low at LKR 6.6 billion, about 12% below the monthly average of LKR 7.5 billion. The Capital Goods sector dominated activity, accounting for 23% of total turnover, while the Banking and Diversified Financials sectors collectively contributed 32%.

Foreign investors remained net sellers, posting a net outflow of LKR 235.1 million.

ACL and DOCK led overall turnover, recording LKR 386.6 million (6%) and LKR 253.5 million (4%), respectively. HELA led market volume with 28.8 million shares (13%), followed by COOP with 22.3 million shares (10%). Overall market volumes declined to 217.1 million shares.

Among foreign transactions, ACL, CARG, and SEYB recorded the largest outflows, while NDB, SUN, and HHL saw the highest inflows.