The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) staged a modest recovery on Thursday, gaining 20.5 points after losing nearly 70 points in the preceding sessions, as bargain hunting in battered stocks offered some support amid persistent market uncertainty.
The DSEX, the benchmark index of the DSE, rose 20.5 points to close at 5,429, up from 5,409 in the previous session.
However, market turnover plunged to a seven-month low of Tk 410 crore, reflecting continued investor caution amid concerns over weak corporate earnings, domestic economic challenges and geopolitical uncertainties.
Sector-wise, textile stocks accounted for the largest share of turnover at 24 per cent, followed by general insurance at 13.4 per cent and pharmaceuticals at 8.8 per cent.
General insurance led the sectoral gainers, rising 2 per cent, followed by life insurance with a 1 per cent increase and engineering with a 0.9 per cent gain. In contrast, jute stocks recorded the steepest decline, falling 4 per cent, while services and financial institutions dropped 1 per cent and 0.9 per cent, respectively.
Of the 395 issues traded on the DSE, 196 advanced, 135 declined and 64 remained unchanged.
Meanwhile, the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) closed lower, with its Selective Categories’ Index (CSCX) falling 5.2 points and the All Share Price Index declining 6.5 points.
The rebound suggested selective buying interest rather than a broad-based improvement in investor confidence, as low turnover and lingering economic concerns continued to weigh on market sentiment.
Financial Mirror/AH
