Dhaka:The country's capital market experienced a decline for the second consecutive session as investors remained wary amid ongoing earnings and dividend declarations, along with uncertainty over the market's short-term direction.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Dhaka Stock Exchange's benchmark index, DSEX, dropped by 10.5 points to close at 5,423 points, down from the previous session's 5,433 points. The market saw continued selling pressure from early on, as investors opted to book profits after recent bargain hunting. Despite sporadic buying support, the index remained in negative territory by the end of the session.
Market activity was relatively subdued ahead of the forthcoming Durga Puja holidays. Nonetheless, market turnover rose by 15.2 percent to Taka 370 crore, compared to Taka 320 crore in the previous session. Textile stocks led the turnover, contributing 23 percent, followed by general insurance at 14.4 percent and pharmaceuticals at 10.3 percent.
Sectoral performance showed mixed results. Jute stocks saw the highest gains, increasing by 1.8 percent, followed by services at 0.7 percent and financial institutions at 0.5 percent. Conversely, mutual funds fell by 1.2 percent, information technology stocks by 0.8 percent, and ceramics by 0.7 percent. Out of 395 issues traded on the DSE, 99 advanced, 215 declined, and 81 remained unchanged.
The Chittagong Stock Exchange also concluded the session in negative territory, with its Selective Categories' Index (CSCX) and All Share Price Index (CASPI) falling by 20.8 points and 36.1 points, respectively.