Profit takers steal the spotlight as bulls lose steam

• 14 Aug 2025
• 0

The Colombo Stock Exchange experienced mixed sentiment and high levels of volatility, mirroring the trend observed in recent sessions, as investors resorted predominantly towards profit taking.

The ASPI closed at 19,929, registering a drop of 47 points, amidst moderate fluctuations throughout the day. The index opened with brief gains before declining until midday, after which it recovered slightly toward the close. 

Negative drivers towards the index marginally outweighed the positive ones, with HAYL, SAMP, CFIN, CARG and NDB leading the way. Today's turnover amounted to LKR 7.1Bn, marking an 11% increase from the monthly average of around LKR 6.4Bn.

The Transportation sector dominated turnover, contributing 20% on the back of PKME crossings, followed by the Banking, and Diversified Financials sectors with a combined contribution of 34%. Foreign investors turned net sellers with a net outflow of LKR 28.5Mn.

BOND MARKET

Secondary market sees limited activity amid mixed yield movements

Echoing the previous day's subdued tone, the secondary bond market saw mixed movements amid low trading volumes. Among the limited activity, the short end of the yield curve saw the 01.05.2027 maturity trade at 8.40%, while the 15.03.2028 and 01.07.2028 bonds changed hands between 8.75% and 8.82%.

Further along the curve, the 15.10.2029 and 15.12.2029 maturities traded within a narrow range of 9.39% to 9.40%. The 15.05.2030 and 01.07.2030 issues were quoted between 9.42% and 9.45%. In the 2032 segment, both the 01.10.2032 and 15.12.2032 bonds traded in the range of 10.20% to 10.22%, while the 15.01.2033 traded at 10.60%.

At the longer end of the curve, the 01.07.2037 bond was seen trading between 11.03% and 11.05%. In the forex market, the LKR appreciated against the greenback, closing at LKR 300.9/USD, compared to the previously seen rate of LKR 301.0/USD. Meanwhile, overnight liquidity in the banking system expanded to LKR 118.16Bn from the previously seen level of LKR 108.18Bn.

Courtesy: First Capital Research

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