Dhaka:Stocks at the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) saw a decline as trading resumed following the Durga Puja holidays. Concerns over corporate earnings, dividend declarations, and rising global energy prices due to escalated conflicts in the Middle East impacted investor sentiment.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the benchmark DSEX, the broad index of the DSE, dropped by 18.1 points to settle at 5,433 points, down from the previous session's 5,451 points. The market experienced continuous selling pressure throughout the session, with cautious investors largely remaining on the sidelines due to the absence of new positive catalysts for a sustained recovery.
Trading activity was also subdued, with turnover at the DSE decreasing by 14.3 percent to Taka 430 crore from Taka 500 crore in the prior session. Banks accounted for the largest share of turnover at 23.1 percent, followed by textiles at 15.4 percent and pharmaceuticals at 12.0 percent.
Most sectors posted negative returns, with jute stocks experiencing the steepest decline at 3.7 percent, followed by cement at 3.6 percent and ceramics at 2.5 percent. Conversely, banking stocks rose by 1.0 percent, while services and telecommunications showed marginal advances of 0.2 percent and 0.1 percent, respectively. Out of 395 issues traded on the DSE, the prices of 282 fell, 62 advanced, and 51 remained unchanged, illustrating the predominantly bearish market sentiment.
Meanwhile, the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also closed in negative territory. Its Selective Categories' Index (CSCX) decreased by 11.4 points, and the All Share Price Index (CASPI) fell by 22.5 points.