The Colombo Stock Exchange closed higher on Friday, capping a strong week driven by investor optimism over a potential US-Iran ceasefire extension and the continuing Israel-Lebanon truce.
The All Share Price Index (ASPI) rose 0.82 percent, gaining 184.32 points to close at 22,773.29. The S&P SL20 index added 0.53 percent to finish at 6,263.94. Turnover reached Rs. 4.974 billion, with capital goods contributing Rs. 1.056 billion.
Weekly Gains Defy Global Dip
For the week — the first full trading week after the four-day Avurudu break — the ASPI gained 2.91 percent, adding 644.63 points. The domestic rally came even as global markets fell on Friday, with Japan’s Nikkei 225 down 1.75 percent and Shanghai’s SSE Composite dipping 0.10 percent.
“Overall market sentiment was positive, supported in part by developments surrounding geopolitical tensions in the Middle East,” analyst Shahana Kanagaratnam of First Capital said.
NDB Continues to Drag
Top positive contributors included Central Finance (+5.83%), Hemas Holdings (+5.06%), CT Holdings (+4.14%), and Hayleys (+2.17%).
NDB remained the notable negative, declining 2.11 percent to Rs. 116.00 as the banking fraud fallout continues to weigh on the stock. Hatton National Bank and Commercial Bank also posted modest declines.
Retail participation remained active with notable crossings in NDB shares, suggesting institutional repositioning amid the ongoing CID investigation.
