The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) closed lower on Friday as early buying interest gave way to profit-taking in several index-heavy counters, pushing both benchmark indices into negative territory. The market opened firmer with broad-based buying, but selling pressure intensified in the latter half of the session, erasing the morning’s gains.
The All Share Price Index (ASPI) fell 26.63 points, or 0.13%, to close at 21,172.74, while the more liquid S&P SL20 Index eased 3.31 points, or 0.06%, to 5,942.56.
Total market turnover reached Rs. 2.45 billion on 93.56 million shares. Activity was dominated by negotiated deals, with crossings accounting for Rs. 1.67 billion, or 68% of the day’s turnover. The retailing sector was the top contributor at Rs. 1.04 billion, led by United Motors (UML.N), which generated Rs. 1.03 billion and closed 4.82% higher after the day’s largest crossing.
Market breadth was marginally negative, with 118 gainers against 129 decliners. LOLC Holdings (LOLC.N) added the most to the ASPI at 10.62 points, supported by LOFC.N, MELS.N, CARS.N and DFCC.N. On the downside, Hatton National Bank (HNB.N) was the biggest drag at 8.47 points, with CINS.N, GRAN.N, COMB.N and NDB.N also weighing on the index.
