The Colombo Bourse closed in negative territory today, with the ASPI declining by 251 points to 21,760 and the S&P SL20 falling by 66 points to 6,032.

“Selling pressure persisted following the recent increase in interest rates, dampening investor sentiment. HNW investors dominated market turnover, while retail participation remained average,” First Capital Research said.

The negative contributors to the ASPI were DIAL, COMB, MELS, HNB, and BREW. Daily turnover stood at LKR 2.8Bn, marking a decrease of 18.3% compared to the monthly average of LKR 3.4Bn.

Capital Goods sector led the daily turnover with a share of 18%, followed by the Materials, and Diversified Financials sectors collectively contributing 29%. Foreign investors remained net sellers, posting a net outflow of LKR 92.3Mn