The benchmark index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) managed to return to positive territory on Monday after the previous session’s sharp decline, although cautious trading and continued risk aversion kept the market largely flat by the close.
The DSEX, the broad index of the premier bourse, edged up 2.5 points or 0.049 per cent to settle at 4,942, compared with 4,940 in the previous session.
The market came under pressure from the opening bell, but selective buying interest in a few large-cap stocks helped cushion the downward momentum.
Despite this support, most investors remained on the sidelines, preferring to wait for clearer signals amid prevailing uncertainties.
Turnover fell sharply, declining 14.5 per cent to Tk352 crore, a two-week low, from Tk4.1 billion in the previous trading session.
Sector-wise, the banking sector dominated turnover, accounting for 14.5 per cent of total value, followed by pharmaceuticals at 13.3 per cent and engineering at 10.8 per cent.
Sectoral performance was mixed. General insurance gained 0.7 per cent, tannery stocks rose 0.5 per cent and pharmaceuticals advanced 0.3 per cent. On the downside, jute shed 0.9 per cent, services fell 0.7 per cent and travel declined 0.5 per cent.
Out of 397 issues traded on the DSE, 139 advanced, 170 declined and 88 remained unchanged.
The Chittagong Stock Exchange closed in the red. The broad-based index CSCX fell by 0.12 per cent to 8568.98, while All Share Price Index declined by 0.15 per cent to 13857.06.
