Dhaka: The benchmark index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) ended nearly flat today as investors remained cautious amid speculation over possible revisions to the latest margin rules. The DSEX, the broad market index, gained 1.9 points to close at 5,858, up from 5,856 in the previous session. Trading was marked by intraday volatility as investors adopted a mixed stance, with selective buying in large-cap stocks offsetting selling pressure in other sectors. Many market participants preferred to stay on the sidelines while awaiting clarity on the proposed margin regulations.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, insurance stocks remained under pressure amid concerns that the sector could be excluded from margin loan eligibility. Renewed geopolitical tensions in the Middle East also dampened overall investor sentiment, encouraging a cautious approach. Turnover on the premier bourse declined 9.7 percent to TK 9.7 billion from TK 10.7 billion in the previous trading session.
The textile sector accounted for the largest share of turnover at 18.8 percent, followed by pharmaceuticals at 15.8 percent and general insurance at 10.6 percent. Sectoral performance was mixed with services advancing 2.3 percent, mutual funds gaining 1.8 percent, and textiles rising 0.9 percent. On the downside, general insurance fell 2.8 percent, jute declined 1.5 percent, and ceramics lost 1.4 percent. Out of 396 traded issues, 147 advanced, 179 declined, and 70 remained unchanged.
Meanwhile, the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) ended lower, with the CSCX index losing 23.7 points and the CASPI index shedding 10.3 points.