ASPI rises for second straight session, turnover tops Rs. 5.2bn

The All-Share Price Index (ASPI) extended gains for the second consecutive session yesterday, rising 1.13% to close at 22,997.86, while the more liquid S&P SL20 Index gained 0.75% to settle at 6,292.26 despite mild intraday volatility.

With yesterday’s gains, the broader ASPI recorded a year-to-date increase of 1.65%, while the S&P SL20 extended its YTD gains to 2.19%.

Market breadth remained positive with 167 gainers against 65 decliners. The ASPI’s upward movement was mainly driven by Ceylinco Holdings PLC, John Keells Holdings PLC and Digital Mobility Solutions Lanka PLC.

Market turnover stood at Rs. 5.28 billion, surpassing the year to date daily average turnover of Rs. 5.22 billion, indicating improving investor activity.

Trading activity was led by CIC Holdings PLC, which recorded crossings worth over Rs. 800.09 million, followed by Overseas Realty (Ceylon) PLC and Lanka Milk Foods PLC.

Sector wise, trading activity was concentrated in Materials, Diversified Financials and Capital Goods.

Meanwhile, Brent crude futures, the international oil benchmark, continued to trade below USD 100 a barrel amid expectations that the United States and Iran could resume talks aimed at ending the conflict and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, with discussions likely to restart next week in Islamabad.