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2025 Sector Growth Performance
Year-on-year growth percentage of top performing sectors on the Colombo Stock Exchange.
Primary Sources
Middle East Tensions Impact Sri Lankan Rupee and Markets
The Sri Lankan financial markets experienced significant volatility as ongoing Middle Eastern tensions continue to cast a shadow over the country's economic stability. The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) witnessed fluctuations that directly correlated with geopolitical developments in West Asia, creating ripple effects across currency and equity markets. Market Performance Amid Regional Uncertainty Despite the challenging external environment, Sri Lankan markets demonstrated remarkable resilience yesterday. The All Share Price Index (ASPI) recorded a notable gain of 88.15 points, while the S&P SL20 index climbed by 33.35 points. This bullish performance occurred against the backdrop of regional tensions that have been weighing on investor sentiment across South Asian markets. The positive movement in both key indices suggests that domestic factors and investor confidence may be providing some buffer against external pressures. Market analysts attribute this performance to selective buying in blue-chip stocks and renewed interest in undervalued securities. Rupee Under Pressure from Oil Price Volatility The Sri Lankan rupee faced downward pressure as Middle Eastern tensions contributed to global oil price fluctuations. Energy markets have been particularly sensitive to developments in the region, with crude oil prices experiencing significant swings that directly impact import-dependent economies like Sri Lanka. Currency volatility has become a key concern for policymakers, as the rupee's performance affects everything from inflation rates to foreign exchange reserves. The correlation between oil prices and the rupee's stability highlights Sri Lanka's vulnerability to external shocks, particularly given the country's heavy reliance on petroleum imports for energy needs. West Asian Tensions and Global Market Interconnectedness The ongoing tensions in West Asia have created a complex web of economic consequences that extend far beyond the immediate region. For Sri Lanka, these developments underscore the interconnected nature of global markets and the challenges faced by emerging economies in maintaining stability during periods of international uncertainty. Financial institutions and investment firms are closely monitoring the situation, as prolonged tensions could lead to sustained volatility in commodity markets. This scenario would particularly impact countries like Sri Lanka that are heavily dependent on imports for essential goods and energy requir...
Sri Lanka's equity market ends 2025 as region's 3rd best performer
By Nishel FernandoSri Lanka’s equity market concluded 2025 on a robust trajectory, securing its position as the third-best performing market in the region, according to the data released by CT Smith Securities.The benchmark All Share Price Index recorded a significant year-on-year (YoY) growth of 41.9 percent, closing the year at 22,624 points. This impressive rally placed the Colombo Stock Exchange just behind South Korea, which led the region with a staggering 75.6 percent gain and Pakistan, which recorded a 45.0 percent increase. The Colombo bourse outperformed the other regional peers such as Vietnam, which grew by 40.9 percent and major markets like India and China, which posted gains of 10.5 percent and 18.4 percent, respectively. The S&P SL20 index, representing the most liquid stocks, also reflected this positive sentiment, rising by 26.6 percent YoY to close at 6,157 points. Market activity saw a dramatic resurgence in 2025, with total market turnover more than doubling to Rs.1,233 billion, compared to Rs.538 billion in the previous year. The average daily turnover surged to Rs.5,181 million, from Rs.2,233 million in 2024. This liquidity was driven largely by specific high-growth sectors. The retailing sector emerged as the top performer, recording a massive 12-month gain of 169.4 percent, followed by transportation and telecommunication services, which grew by 120.0 percent and 116.9 percent, respectively. In terms of daily turnover contribution, the banking sector led the market, followed closely by capital goods and diversified financials, indicating a strong investor appetite for the established financial and industrial counters.Despite the domestic bullishness, the bourse witnessed a widened net foreign outflow. Foreign investors recorded a net outflow of Rs.38.6 billion in 2025, a significant increase from the Rs.9.9 billion outflow observed in 2024. A heavy selling pressure was seen in blue-chip conglomerates, with John Keells Holdings witnessing the highest net foreign selling of Rs.9.8 billion, followed by CT Holdings with Rs.6.1 billion and Hatton National Bank with Rs.4.1 billion.However, foreign interest remained selective and strong in other areas; Cargills (Ceylon) attracted the highest net foreign purchasing of Rs.2.6 billion, while Dialog Axiata and Digital Mobility Solutions Lanka saw inflows of Rs.2.1 billion and Rs.905 million, respectively. Individual company performances were notably volatile, yet lucrative for the risk-takers...
WAR IMPACT ON STOCK MARKETS - The Economic Times
SEARCHED FOR: WAR IMPACT ON STOCK MARKETS US stock market rally today: Why are the S&P 500, Dow Jones, and Nasdaq nearing record highs as NVIDIA and Apple explode higher on strong US jobs data and unstoppable AI-fueled tech surge?
Sri Lanka and Thailand Introduce Fuel Controls as Middle East War ...
Sri Lanka and Thailand have introduced emergency measures to manage fuel supplies and limit price shocks as escalating conflict in the Middle East disrupts global oil markets and threatens energy shipments to Asia. The war has severely affected oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical energy routes, sending crude prices soaring and forcing governments across ...
