Stock Market Performance under Different Presidential Terms: Evidence from Sri Lanka

Abstract

Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) plays a vital role in the growth of the key sectors of Sri Lankan economy. Even though there are several macro and firm specific factors effect on stock market performance, the main focus of this study is to examine the performance of CSE under different government leadership in Sri Lanka during the period from 1994 to 2014. This study mainly consider about the stock market indicators such as, All Share Price Index (ASPI), market turnover, market capitalization, turnover ratio, average market return etc. under different presidential terms. The sample period has divided in to four main presidential terms. Based on the indicators calculated to reflect the average market return, volatility and risk for each presidential term and based on the statistical analysis performed for each presidential term it was revealed that performance of stock market is superior under presidential term II (from 1999-2005).