The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) experienced a strong rally today, with the All-Share Price Index (ASPI) surpassing the 23,300 mark amid investor optimism ahead of the upcoming GOSL 2026 budget discussions. Gains were largely driven by blue-chip and heavyweight counters, sustaining bullish sentiment throughout the session.
The ASPI rose 225.77 points (+0.98%) to close at 23,338.25, while the S&P SL20 increased 71.21 points (+1.13%) to settle at 6,381.47. Total market turnover reached LKR 6.70 billion, with 208.53 million shares traded, reflecting active investor participation.
The Capital Goods sector dominated market activity, contributing LKR 1.53 billion (22% of total turnover), with JKH.N leading the sector through trades worth LKR 337 million, highlighting strong institutional participation and investor confidence.
Crossings accounted for LKR 863 million (13% of total turnover), with DFCC.N recording the largest turnover crossing at LKR 245 million, while PLC.N led by volume, trading 5.0 million shares.
Market breadth showed a slightly negative tone, with 131 gainers and 97 decliners, indicating mild consolidation after recent upward momentum. Top contributors included SFCL.N (+60.93 points), COMB.N, SAMP.N, HNB.N, and VONE.N, while CTHR.N (-13.34 points) led the laggards, followed by CCS.N, BUKI.N, BIL.N, and SDB.N.
Notable trades included JKH.N, which recorded a turnover of LKR 337 million with 15.43 million shares traded, signaling heightened retail participation and short-term speculative interest.
