The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) saw a turnover surpassing Tk 1,000 crore for the first time in 47 weeks, with all major market indices posting notable gains, driven by strong investor participation on Thursday.
According to a daily market update by EBL Securities PLC, robust buying interest, particularly in banking shares, was the main driver behind the surge. Investors are optimistic that the new monetary policy will maintain the current policy rate, contributing to the buying spree.
Analysts pointed out that strong banks are growing rapidly due to a flight to quality in deposits, while surplus funds parked in high-yield government bonds are helping them earn significant profits.
The DSEX, the benchmark index of the country’s premier bourse, surged by 91.22 points, or 1.70 percent, to reach a nearly 10-month high of 5,443.42. The DSES index, tracking Shariah-compliant companies, gained 16.21 points, or 1.40 percent, settling at 1,170.61. Meanwhile, the DS30 index, consisting of blue-chip stocks, rose by 48.99 points, or 2.37 percent, to close at 2,114.35.
The daily turnover soared by 43 percent from the previous session, reaching Tk 1,063.39 crore, reflecting the highest investor activity in more than 10 months. Of the 397 issues traded, 150 advanced, 167 declined, and 77 remained unchanged.
Banking stocks dominated the turnover chart, contributing 36.3 percent to the total value. The pharmaceutical sector contributed 12.1 percent, while the food and allied sector accounted for 8.8 percent.
Trust Bank Ltd led the gainers, rising by 9.90 percent to close at Tk 22.2 per share. Southeast Bank Ltd and Sonar Bangla Insurance Ltd followed closely, both gaining 9.89 percent, closing at Tk 10 and Tk 30 per share, respectively. Other notable gainers included Pubali Bank Ltd (up 9.45 percent) and Al-Arafah Islami Bank Ltd (up 8.05 percent).
On the losing side, Midland Bank Ltd recorded the steepest fall, dropping by 9.22 percent to Tk 19.7 per share. Regent Textile Mills was close behind, with a 5.41 percent decline to Tk 3.5 per share. SEML Lecture Equity Management Fund, Bata Shoe Company (BD) Ltd, and Padma Islami Life Insurance Ltd also recorded losses of 5.38 percent, 5.08 percent, and 4.98 percent, respectively.
City Bank PLC emerged as the most traded stock, with 19.9 million of its shares changing hands, contributing Tk 513.39 crore to the day’s turnover.
The Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also closed the day on a high note, with its Selective Categories Index rising by 183.2 points. Meanwhile, the broader CASPI index climbed 281.7 points, reflecting the positive sentiment in the Dhaka market.