The Colombo Stock Exchange’s All Share Price Index closed 0.09 percent lower at 22,899 on Thursday, slipping 20.79 points after spending much of the morning session in positive territory. The S&P SL20 also retreated, easing 2.15 points or 0.03 percent to 6,267.
Total market turnover came in at Rs. 2.6 billion, with the Capital Goods sector leading at Rs. 931.2 million. Among major counters, John Keells Holdings closed up 0.98 percent at Rs. 20.70 and DFCC Bank gained 1.10 percent to Rs. 138.00. Alumex, which had been the standout intraday mover, finished 8.82 percent higher at Rs. 18.50. Losses came in Dialog Axiata (down 1.12 percent to Rs. 35.20), Hemas Holdings (down 1.21 percent to Rs. 32.60) and Hatton National Bank (down 0.36 percent to Rs. 412.50). Notable crossings included 5.25 million Renuka Hotels shares, 2.5 million Janashakthi shares and 201,864 HNB shares.
The rupee closed without a spot quote on Thursday, dealers said. It had been quoted at 326.00/327.00 to the one-week US dollar on Wednesday, while the TT rate stood at Rs. 323.50 buying and Rs. 330.50 selling at Thursday’s close.
Bond yields edged up slightly. The 15 December 2028 maturity closed at 9.75/85 percent (up from 9.70/80 percent), the 15 October 2029 at 9.95/10.00 percent (up from 9.85/90 percent), and the 15 December 2029 at 9.95/10.05 percent (up from 9.85/95 percent). The 1 July 2028 maturity was flat at 9.65/75 percent.
Earlier in the day the index had trended up at midday, with Alumex leading individual gainers and the rupee firming to 324.50/325.00 in the spot market — moves that reversed into the close as profit-taking returned. Market turnover at midday had stood at Rs. 1.36 billion, with the Capital Goods sector already in the lead.
