Dhaka stocks staged a modest rebound on Thursday after remaining under pressure throughout the week, as selective buying emerged following recent sharp corrections.
The benchmark DSEX index gained 15.6 points, or 0.3 per cent, to settle at 5,656. The market opened higher and stayed in positive territory throughout the session, although subdued investor confidence amid domestic uncertainties continued to weigh on participation.
Market turnover declined 7.8 per cent to Tk467 crore from Tk506.70 crore in the previous session, marking a five-month low. The number of trades fell 4.6 per cent to 1,47,461, while traded volume dropped 7.4 per cent to 17.70 crore shares.
The modest recovery came after a correction despite recent policy measures aimed at supporting the capital market, including monetary easing following a policy-rate cut, a favourable resolution of margin rules and the government’s commitment to provide stimulus measures for struggling firms.
However, investors remained cautious about the market’s near-term outlook as prevailing uncertainties continued to affect sentiment.
The DS30 index, comprising 30 leading companies, rose 8.8 points to 2,135, while the SME-focused DSMEX index gained 8.8 points to close at 1,074.
Market capitalisation increased by Tk1,840 crore, or 0.3 per cent, to Tk6,97,300 crore.
Of the 395 issues traded, 178 advanced, 141 declined and 76 remained unchanged, indicating a moderately positive market breadth.
Textile stocks dominated trading activity, accounting for 29.2 per cent of total turnover. Banking stocks contributed 10.9 per cent, while general insurance companies accounted for 10.3 per cent.
Engineering stocks posted the strongest sectoral gain, rising 1.2 per cent, followed by life insurance stocks with a 0.8 per cent increase and banks with a 0.6 per cent rise.
On the losing side, ceramics stocks declined 1.2 per cent, mutual funds fell 1.1 per cent and tannery stocks dropped 0.5 per cent.
Among individual companies, Shahjibazar Power Company was the most traded stock of the day, with shares worth Tk48.20 crore changing hands, accounting for 10.3 per cent of total turnover.
Saiham Textile Mills, Lovello Ice-Cream, Malek Spinning Mills and Pubali Bank followed in trading activity.
