Colombo Stock Market Ends Week on a Mixed Note

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) ended the week on a mixed note, with the All Share Price Index (ASPI) edging higher on Friday, supported by gains in selected counters including Haycarb, Cargills and Sampath Bank. Market turnover exceeded Rs. 1.1 billion, while the S&P SL20 Index declined.

High-net-worth and institutional investor activity was recorded in John Keells Holdings, Lanka IOC and Singer Finance. Mixed interest was seen in Haycarb, Ceylon Cold Stores and Renuka Agri Foods, while retail investors were active in Asia Siyaka Commodities, LVL Energy Fund and Asiri Surgical Hospital.

Foreign investor participation remained subdued, with overseas investors ending the
session as net sellers.

For the week, the ASPI declined 1.1%, while the S&P SL20 fell 0.9%. Average daily market turnover stood at approximately Rs. 3.64 billion.

The Capital Goods sector emerged as the largest contributor to market turnover, driven mainly by activity in John Keells Holdings. The sector index gained 0.15%, while John Keells Holdings declined by Rs. 0.10, or 0.52%, to close at Rs. 19.30 per share.

The Materials sector was the second-largest contributor to turnover, supported by trading in Haycarb and JF Packaging Limited. The sector index rose 1.26% during the session.

Haycarb recorded a notable gain of Rs. 11.25, or 5.63%, closing at Rs. 211.25. Meanwhile, JF Packaging Limited increased by Rs. 0.30, or 1.78%, to close at Rs. 17.20.
Among other active counters,

Lanka IOC gained Rs. 1.00, or 0.77%, to close at Rs. 131.25, while Singer Finance advanced Rs. 1.00, or 2.04%, ending the session at Rs. 50.00.