Investor sentiment at the Colombo Bourse weakened amid concerns over rising global oil prices, leading to broad-based profit-taking during the session.

Index heavyweights SAMP, DIAL, and COMB, along with BREW and BUKI, were the key negative contributors to the index.

Both the ASPI and S&P SL20 remained in negative territory throughout the session, with the ASPI declining by 138 points to close at 21,479, while the S&P SL20 fell 44 points to end at 6,041.

Participation from both HNW and retail investors remained moderate. Turnover amounted to LKR 2.0Bn, supported by a crossing in JKH, and was 33.7% below the monthly average turnover of LKR 3.1Bn.

The Capital Goods sector dominated daily turnover, accounting for 49%, while the Food, Beverage & Tobacco and Healthcare Equipment sectors collectively contributed a further 23%. Foreign investors remained net sellers, posting a net outflow of LKR 606.0Mn.

-First Capital Research-