Colombo’s All Share Price Index (ASPI) closed at 22,639.81 yesterday (22), up by 0.06% from the day before, however falling by 0.14% from its intra-day high, with total equity reaching Rs. 5.25 billion, the Colombo Stock Exchange’s stock report for day said

Meanwhile net investors recorded a net outflow of Rs. 2.52 billion,with foreign purchases at Rs. 105.8 million against sales of Rs. 2,627.4 million. The food, beverage and tobacco sector was the top contributor to turnover, generating Rs. 1.32 billion.

In trade activity, large block trades led by Softlogic Life Insurance generated a turnover of Rs. 1.18 billion with 39 negotiated crossings totaling 13.1 million shares at a fixed price of Rs. 90.00. 

The Ceylon Tobacco Company recorded a single crossing of 500,000 shares worth Rs. 890 million, at Rs. 1,780, in addition to Hayleys Fabric having had three crossings totalling 4 million shares at Rs. 30.80, valued at Rs. 123.2 million.

During the same trading day across South Asia, Bangladesh’s DSE Board index rose 0.5%, with a year-to-date return of 8.1%. Pakistan's Karachi All Share index declined by 0.9%, leaving it down 2.1% so far this year. Meanwhile, India's major indices both closed lower: the Nifty 50 fell 0.8% and the BSE Sensex 30 dropped 0.9%, with year-to-date losses of 6.7% and 7.9%, respectively.

In global markets Crude oil Brent prices rose to $ 99.81 per barrel amid escalating Iran tensions, with a US-imposed blockade remaining in the Strait of Hormuz. Gold prices stood at $ 1,505,058.00.