Market Performance:
- The All Share Price Index (ASPI) has increased by 282 points or 2.65% since the beginning of 2024 [1].
- Despite this increase, there have been fluctuations, with the ASPI opening 29.04 points lower at 10,840 recently [2].
Political Influence:
- The upcoming elections in Sri Lanka have created a volatile environment, which may be contributing to the fluctuations in the stock market. Political events often have a significant impact on market performance [2].
Company Performance:
- The performance of companies listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) has been mixed. While some companies have shown satisfactory results in the second quarter, others have reported losses [4].
Market Sentiment:
- The term "Super September" is often used to describe a period of strong market performance. However, this year, the market sentiment appears to be cautious due to the political climate and economic uncertainties [1].
Your observation about political manipulation affecting the market could be partially correct. Political events, especially elections, can lead to market volatility as investors react to potential changes in policies and governance. The mixed performance of companies and the overall cautious sentiment further support this view.