Sri Lankan Stocks Close Mixed Amid Sectoral Shifts

Sri Lankan markets concluded trading on Thursday with minimal movement, as declines in energy and utility stocks were counteracted by gains in other sectors.

The CSE All-Share index experienced a slight decrease of 0.06%, settling at 15,616.57 points. Over the course of the week, the index saw an increase of 0.6%.

Mercantile Shipping recorded the most significant percentage drop on the index, falling by 10.7%, while UB Finance showed the highest percentage increase, rising by 16.7%.

The volume of shares traded on the index increased to 33.3 million from the previous session’s 30.2 million.

The equity market’s turnover increased to 841.2 million Sri Lankan rupees ($2.8 million), up from 792.8 million rupees in the prior session, according to data from the exchange.

Foreign investors became net sellers, divesting stocks valued at approximately 17 million rupees. Conversely, domestic investors were net buyers, acquiring shares worth 826.3 million rupees, according to the data.

Sri Lankan financial markets will be closed on Friday for a public holiday.