Dhaka: Stocks today extended bullish momentum in the final trading session ahead of the national polls, driven by expectations of a favorable market outlook amid anticipated post-election political clarity. DSEX, the broad index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), advanced by 88.0 points or 1.7% to settle at 5,400 points as against 5,312 points in the previous trading session.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, market analysts observed that investor sentiment remained upbeat, prompting accumulation in major large-cap stocks, primarily within the banking sector, riding on optimism surrounding prospective structural reforms under the newly elected government. From the outset of the session, buyers dominated the trading board and maintained their control throughout the day, leading to broad-based gains across the sectors for consecutive sessions.
Meanwhile, market turnover reached nearly Taka 8 billion-mark after 5 months, rising by 22.3% to Taka 7.9 billion from BDT 6.5 billion in the previous session. On the sectoral front, Bank (23.7%) issues exerted the highest turnover, followed by Textile (15.5%) and Pharma (14.8%) sectors. Sectors mostly displayed positive returns, out of which Travel (3.4%), Bank (3.0%), and Paper (2.5%) exhibited the most positive returns on the bourse today, while only Life Insurance (-0.2%) exerted the marginal correction.
Out of the 397 issues traded, 285 advanced, 65 declined, and 47 remained unchanged. The port city bourse, CSE, also settled on a positive zone. The Selective Categories’ Index (CSCX) and All Share Price Index (CASPI) advanced by 137.3 points and 241.6 points, respectively.