The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) experienced a volatile trading session today, with the market oscillating between the 22,200 and 22,400 levels before closing with mixed sentiment. The All Share Price Index (ASPI) ended marginally higher, while the S&P SL20 dipped into negative territory, reflecting a divergence in investor sentiment across key sectors.
At the opening bell, the ASPI slipped by 96 points within the first half hour amid profit-taking pressure. However, renewed buying interest in select counters drove a recovery later in the session, with the index regaining 164 points to erase early losses and close slightly in positive territory.
The Diversified Financials sector dominated market activity, contributing the highest sectoral turnover of LKR 1.74 billion, signaling sustained investor confidence and continued momentum within the sector.
The ASPI closed with a gain of 2.36 points or 0.01% to end at 22,321.08, while the S&P SL20 fell 18.66 points or 0.30% to settle at 6,207.37. Total turnover for the day reached LKR 5.68 billion, with 507.45 million shares traded. Crossings accounted for LKR 774 million, representing 13% of total turnover. The largest crossing trade was recorded by KZOO.N, generating LKR 338 million in turnover with 26 million shares exchanged.
Market breadth reflected mixed sentiment, with 93 gainers and 133 decliners. Among key movers, DIAL.N was the top positive contributor, adding 16.01 points to the ASPI, followed by CTHR.N, MERC.N, GREG.N, and HARI.N. On the downside, DFCC.N weighed the most on the index with a decline of 8.42 points, while COMB.N, CARG.N, LOLC.N, and JKH.N also contributed to the downward pressure.