Dhaka: Stocks today extended their winning streak to a 10th consecutive session as investor confidence strengthened on growing expectations of regulatory reforms under the newly-appointed leadership of the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC). Market participants continued broad-based accumulation amid expectations of easing regulations related to initial public offerings (IPOs) and margin lending, which helped sustain positive momentum across the market.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the DSEX, the broad index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), advanced by 41.2 points to close at 5,516 points, up from 5,475 points in the previous trading session. Trading remained buoyant during the first half of the session on the back of sustained buying interest. However, some late-session profit-taking trimmed gains as investors booked profits following the recent rally. Despite the late selling pressure, turnover surpassed the Taka 15 billion mark for the first time in nearly two years. Total turnover rose by 13.1 percent to Taka 15.3 billion, compared with Taka 13.5 billion in the previous session.
Among sectors, General Insurance accounted for the highest share of turnover at 16.6 percent, followed by Engineering at 14.4 percent and Pharmaceuticals at 11.5 percent. Sectoral performance remained mixed. General Insurance posted the highest gain of 3.2 percent, followed by Food at 3.0 percent and Cement at 2.4 percent. On the downside, Jute declined by 2.2 percent, Paper by 1.8 percent and Services by 1.4 percent. Out of the 396 issues traded on the DSE, 180 advanced, 156 declined and 60 remained unchanged.
The Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also finished in positive territory. The Selective Categories’ Index (CSCX) gained 83.5 points, while the All Share Price Index (CASPI) rose by 131.4 points at the close of trading.