CSE gains 69 points

The Colombo Stock Exchange gained momentum today, supported by buying interest following the decline in Treasury bill yields at yesterday’s weekly auction, along with increased participation from retail and high-net-worth investors.

Investor interest was particularly evident in export-oriented and materials sector companies, with CINS, HAYC, RCL, DIPD and AEL emerging as the top positive contributors to the index.

"The ASPI closed at 21,395, gaining 69 points, while the S&P SL20 Index ended at 5,995, up 12 points," First Capital Research said.

Amid multiple crossings, market turnover increased to Rs. 2.4 Bn from the previous session, although it remained 28.7% below the monthly average turnover of Rs. 3.4 Bn.

The Food, Beverage & Tobacco sector led daily turnover with a 26% share, followed by the Materials and Diversified Financials sectors, which collectively accounted for 41%.

COCO dominated overall turnover with Rs. 502.6 Mn, or 20.5%, followed by VFIN with Rs. 281.4 Mn, or 11.5%, in shares traded.

In terms of volume, SEMB.X recorded the highest activity, with 21.1 Mn shares traded, accounting for 17.8% of market volume, while SEMB recorded 20.6 Mn shares, or 17.5%. Overall market volume increased 132.3% to 118.2 Mn shares.

Foreign investors turned net buyers, recording a net inflow of Rs. 68.4 Mn. VFIN, DIAL and TAP attracted the highest foreign inflows, while JKH, DOCK and HAYC recorded the largest foreign outflows.