The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) extended its decline on September 29, with both benchmark indices closing lower amid broad-based selling pressure.
The All Share Price Index (ASPI) fell 125.97 points, or 0.60%, to close at 20,817.82, while the S&P SL20 declined 24.32 points, or 0.41%, to 5,896.40.
The ASPI weakened steadily throughout the session, falling below the 20,850 level before closing near the day’s low.
Market turnover recovered to Rs. 1.01 billion, up from the previous session’s year-to-date low, with 69.63 million shares traded.
The Capital Goods sector led turnover with Rs. 198.93 million, while John Keells Holdings recorded the highest turnover among individual counters at Rs. 91.22 million.
Crossings accounted for around 10% of total turnover, led by JKH.N with Rs. 75.20 million across two blocks, followed by HBS.N with a Rs. 21.60 million crossing.
Market breadth weakened significantly, with only 31 stocks recording gains against 163 decliners, resulting in an advance-decline ratio of 0.19.
Foreign investors remained marginal net buyers, recording an estimated net inflow of Rs. 20.05 million.
Dialog Axiata was the largest negative contributor to the ASPI, followed by Commercial Bank, Overseas Realty, Singer Industries and Tokyo Cement. Carson Cumberbatch made the strongest positive contribution to the index.
