The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) closed lower on 7 October, with the All Share Price Index (ASPI) falling 132.68 points, or 0.64 percent, to 20,517.55.
The S&P SL20 index dropped 27.88 points, or 0.48 percent, to 5,816.40. The ASPI had approached 20,700 in early trading before slipping to end near the session low.
Turnover was Rs. 1.97 billion, with 60.40 million shares traded. Crossings made up 44 percent of turnover, led by a Rs. 469.90 million block in Lanka IOC.
There were 158 decliners against 52 gainers. Foreign investors were net sellers, with an outflow of about Rs. 23.14 million.
Commercial Bank was the largest negative contributor to the ASPI, followed by Dialog Axiata, Carson Cumberbatch, Hayleys and Tokyo Cement. Ceylinco Insurance made the strongest positive contribution.
Share prices matter to retail investors and to pension and provident funds that hold listed equities. Trading continues at the next market session.
