Dhaka stocks extended their upward momentum for a second consecutive day on Sunday, buoyed by improving investor sentiment and recent policy signals aimed at revitalising the ailing market.
As of 11:20am, the DSEX, the benchmark index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), rose by 15.32 points, or 0.31 percent, to reach 4,835.79.
The Shariah-compliant DSES index advanced by 0.42 percent to 1,057.30, while the DS30 index, which tracks blue-chip stocks, gained 0.11 percent to stand at 1,790.38.
Turnover, a crucial indicator of market activity, stood at Tk 98.68 crore during the session — a moderate figure but a notable improvement compared to recent sessions marked by sluggish participation.
Of the 395 issues traded, 243 advanced, 73 declined, and 71 remained unchanged, indicating a broad-based recovery across sectors.
City Insurance emerged as the top gainer, jumping over 9 percent, while Union Bank recorded the steepest fall, shedding 3 percent.
The DSE had been under pressure in recent weeks, with investor confidence dampened by declining liquidity, tightening regulations, and weak corporate earnings in some sectors.
However, the market saw a modest rebound starting late last week, which has now extended into a second day of gains.
This uptick follows a series of high-level discussions and a fresh set of directives from the chief adviser to the caretaker government, aimed at restoring investor confidence and strengthening market fundamentals.
Earlier this month, the chief adviser called for coordinated efforts between the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC), the central bank, and relevant ministries to ensure greater market transparency and improve institutional participation.
Key measures under consideration include easing margin lending rules, fast-tracking the approval of new mutual funds, and encouraging state-owned enterprises to list on the stock exchange.
Market analysts view the recent rise as a reflection of renewed optimism surrounding these reforms, though they caution that sustained recovery will depend on consistent follow-through and macroeconomic stability.
With two consecutive days of gains, investors are cautiously hopeful that the market may have turned a corner — but eyes remain on upcoming regulatory decisions and earnings results to confirm a longer-term trend.