Market gains on blue-chip strength!!

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) posted a strong session on Tuesday, with both key indices closing firmly in green amid elevated turnover and share volumes, signaling a solid base for continued momentum. The S&P SL20 outperformed the ASPI in percentage terms, rising nearly 1.8 times the ASPI’s gain, highlighting strong investor confidence in blue-chip counters.

The ASPI surged 278.16 points (+1.21%) to 23,292.91, while the S&P SL20 advanced 136.41 points (+2.19%) to 6,363.85.

Total market turnover reached LKR 6.59 billion, with 154.75 million shares traded. Activity was led by the Banking sector, which recorded LKR 2.01 billion in turnover from 16.71 million shares. Within the sector, COMB.N posted the highest turnover, generating LKR 0.71 billion with 3.38 million shares traded.

Crossings accounted for LKR 1.01 billion, representing 15% of total turnover, with the largest crossing recorded in COMB.N, amounting to LKR 0.31 billion from 1.5 million shares.

Market breadth remained positive, with 127 gainers outnumbering 97 decliners, reflecting broad-based investor interest. On the upside, HNB.N led index gains, adding 46.29 points, followed by COMB.N, JKH.N, NDB.N, and SAMP.N. On the downside, DOCK.N led losses, shedding 32.07 points, alongside CARS.N, ACL.N, SFCL.N, and RIL.N.

Among notable trades, GRAN.N recorded significant activity, generating LKR 144 million in turnover from 0.32 million shares traded, and closing with a 12.22% price gain, underscoring selective market enthusiasm.

Overall, the session reflected sustained blue-chip strength and improving market confidence, as investors actively positioned early in the new year.